1 pound ground beef (85% lean)

2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

4 slices mild cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)

4 hamburger buns

2 tablespoons butter

Toppings: sliced onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard

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Form Patties: Divide beef into four equal portions. Shape into patties about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each.
Season: Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and heat until shimmering.
Cook the Patties: Cook burgers for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
Add Cheese: In final minute of cooking, top each patty with cheese and cover skillet to melt.
Toast Buns: While burgers cook, melt butter in another pan or griddle. Toast buns cut side down until golden.
Assemble: Add cooked patties to toasted buns. Top as desired.
Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner options.

Try different cheeses (Swiss, pepper jack, blue cheese) for variety.

Add extras like caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet burger.

Avoid pressing burgers during cooking to keep them juicy.

Toast buns for better texture and flavor.