Go Back

Classic Juicy Cheeseburger

This burger features a juicy, well-seasoned ground beef patty seared to golden perfection, topped with melted cheddar cheese and nestled in toasted buns. The process involves shaping, searing, and assembling with fresh toppings to create a satisfying, flavorful bite with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g ground beef (80/20) preferably divided into 4 portions
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese or your favorite melting cheese
  • 4 buns burger buns lightly toasted
  • 1 medium onion sliced thin
  • 4 spears pickles dill or bread-and-butter
  • to taste ketchup, mustard, or aioli for serving

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Probe thermometer
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Gently divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each into a loose, round patty about 150g, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it juicy.
  2. Preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering, emitting a faint sizzling sound when a few drops of water are flicked on it.
  3. Add a splash of oil to the skillet and place the patties carefully in the hot pan, pressing lightly to ensure good contact with the surface and a nice sear.
  4. Sear the patties for about 3-4 minutes until the edges turn golden and develop a deep crust, creating that irresistible Maillard reaction aroma.
  5. Flip the patties gently with a spatula, then cook for another 3-4 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 65°C/149°F, using a probe thermometer for precision.
  6. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover briefly if needed to melt the cheese evenly.
  7. While the burgers finish, lightly toast the buns in the skillet until golden brown and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove the patties and buns from heat; let the burgers rest for a minute to retain their juices.
  9. Spread condiments on the buns, then layer with the cooked patties, adding slices of onion and pickles to your liking.
  10. Top with the remaining bun, gently press down, and serve immediately with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef before shaping. Resting the burger briefly helps keep it juicy when bitten into.