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Classic Juicy Cheeseburger

A close-up of a perfect juicy cheeseburger with two beef patties and melted cheddar cheese.

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Learn how to make the ultimate juicy cheeseburger at home, from selecting the right beef to achieving a perfect crust and melting cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles

Instructions

  1. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
  2. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Aim for a good crust to form on the outside.
  5. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the grill or skillet briefly to help the cheese melt.
  6. Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a pan, if desired.
  7. Assemble your cheeseburgers by placing a cheese-covered patty on the bottom half of each bun. Add your favorite optional toppings. Place the top half of the bun on top.

Notes

  • For the juiciest burger, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
  • Don’t press down on the burgers while they are cooking, as this squeezes out the juices.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or Swiss for variations.

Nutrition