Description
This Classic Cheese Burger recipe features juicy, flavorful beef patties grilled to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and a tangy secret sauce. Served on toasted brioche or Hawaiian buns, these burgers deliver a perfect balance of savory and zesty flavors, ideal for a satisfying meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Ingredients
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder, granules
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 6 cheddar cheese slices
- 6 brioche or Hawaiian hamburger buns
- 6 Romaine lettuce leaves, torn into pieces
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Pickle slices (optional)
- 1 cup caramelized onions (optional)
Secret Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon stone ground mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, pickle juice, dried dill, fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and stone ground mustard until smooth and well combined. Cover the sauce and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to evenly incorporate the seasonings without overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a patty about ⅓ inch thick.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill on high heat to get a good sear on the patties for added flavor and juiciness.
- Grill the Patties: Season the patties again with salt and pepper just before placing them on the grill. Place the patties on the grill grate, reduce the heat to medium, and cover. Grill the patties for 5 minutes. Flip each patty and continue grilling for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Place a cheddar cheese slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to let it melt.
- Toast the Buns: While the cheese melts, place the brioche or Hawaiian buns cut side down on the grill. Cover and toast until the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce onto the toasted sides of the buns. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and caramelized onions if using. Add the cheesy beef patty on top, then cover with the top bun. Serve with pickle slices on the side if desired.
Notes
- For juicier burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling.
- Caramelized onions add a sweet, rich flavor but are optional.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use brioche or Hawaiian buns for a slightly sweet contrast that complements the savory burger.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the sauce to control spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
