Ingredients
1 pound 85% ground beef
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
4 slices mild cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
4 buns
2 tablespoons butter
Burger toppings: onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Make the patties slightly larger than the buns, as they will shrink as they cook. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil (or your chosen oil) and let it heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Patties: Place the patties in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them to achieve a nice sear. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (160°F for medium).
- Add the Cheese: In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt.
- Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the buns, cut side down, and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each burger patty on the toasted bottom half of a bun. Add your preferred toppings such as onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
For a juicy burger, use 85% lean beef. If using leaner beef, consider adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce to help retain moisture.
Feel free to customize the toppings—try adding avocado, fried onions, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Use your preferred cheese such as Swiss, American, or pepper jack for a twist.
If you prefer a grill version, cook the patties on medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach 160°F internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
