Ultimate Cheeseburger Recipe Easy Juicy Homemade Burger Perfection
A quick and easy recipe for juicy, flavorful homemade cheeseburgers with perfectly melted cheese and toasted buns, perfect for family dinners or backyard cookouts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles, sliced red onions, ketchup, mustard, mayo
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz or 113 g each). Shape each into a round patty about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Preheat grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until hot.
- Place patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without pressing down. Flip once the bottom has a deep brown crust.
- Cook for another 3 minutes on the second side, then place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the pan or close the grill lid for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- While cheese melts, spread softened butter on cut sides of buns and toast in a separate skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Assemble burgers by placing patties on bottom buns, adding preferred toppings, spreading condiments on top buns, and crowning the burger.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough burgers. Press a thumb indentation in patties to prevent puffing. Let burgers rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Use a meat thermometer for preferred doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute cheddar with plant-based cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheeseburger with
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: cheeseburger, homemade burger, juicy burger, easy burger recipe, backyard cookout, classic cheeseburger