Description
This Best-Ever Burger recipe features juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef patties grilled or cooked in a skillet to develop a delicious crust and topped with melted cheese. Served on toasted buns with a tangy, flavorful sauce made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle juice, and paprika, plus fresh iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and pickles, this burger delivers classic American flavors with a gourmet touch. It’s an ideal recipe for a satisfying homemade burger night.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Patties
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 3 slices cheese (such as American)
Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. dill pickle juice
- 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Burger Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- Iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- Tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Finely chopped white onion
- Sliced dill pickles
Instructions
- Shape and season patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form each into a patty about 1 inch wider than the buns. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Press a wide, shallow indent into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Cook patties (grilling method): Prepare a grill for high heat and preheat for 5 minutes or heat a grill pan over high heat. Place patties on the grill and cook undisturbed until a crust forms and the patties are no longer pink on the bottom side, about 6 minutes. Flip the patties and immediately brush melted butter on top. Grill the second side until browned, about 3 minutes. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and continue grilling until the cheese melts and the burgers reach your desired doneness, about 3 minutes more for medium.
- Cook patties (skillet method): Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add patties (in batches if needed) and cook undisturbed until a crust forms and the patties are no longer pink on the bottom, about 6 minutes. Flip patties and brush melted butter on top. Cook until the second side is browned, about 3 minutes. Top each patty with cheese and continue cooking until the cheese melts and the patties reach your desired doneness, about 3 minutes more for medium.
- Prepare burger sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle juice, and sweet paprika. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble burgers: Spread the prepared sauce on the bottom halves of the buns. Layer with thinly sliced iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cooked burger patties topped with melted cheese, finely chopped white onions, and sliced dill pickles. Spread more sauce on the top halves of the buns and close the burgers. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pressing a shallow indent in the center of each patty helps prevent puffing up and ensures even cooking.
- Using melted butter brushed on the patties adds richness and helps develop a deeper crust.
- Cheese melting time can vary; keep an eye to avoid overcooking the burgers.
- Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese or add other toppings like bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust seasonings in the sauce according to preference for more tang or spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: best burger recipe, homemade burger, grilled burger, cheeseburger, classic burger, easy burger recipe, American burger
