Go Back
cheeseburger recipe

Classic Homemade Cheeseburgers

Juicy, sizzling beef patties layered with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles — these homemade cheeseburgers deliver diner-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or a quick comfort meal, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 640
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Patties
  • 600 g ground beef with at least 20% fat for juicy burgers
  • 1/8 tsp salt and pepper per burger, adjust to taste
  • 2-3 tbsp canola or vegetable oil for cooking
For the Buns & Toppings
  • 4 pieces soft burger buns about 10 cm wide, toasted
  • 4-8 slices American cheese or cheddar, Swiss, or melting cheese
  • 8 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce torn or shredded
  • 2 large tomatoes sliced into eight even rounds
  • 1 medium red onion finely sliced into rings
  • 2 pieces gherkin pickles thinly sliced
For the Sauce (Choose One)
  • to taste special burger sauce, ketchup, or mustard choose your favorite
Optional Side
  • to serve French fries or sweet potato fries optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Shape the Patties
    Divide beef into 4 portions. Shape into loose balls, then flatten into 12 cm wide patties. Avoid overworking for tender burgers.
  2. Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
    Lay out all toppings and sauces. Wait to salt the beef until right before cooking to keep patties juicy.
  3. Step 3: Toast the Buns
    Toast the buns cut side up in the oven or grill until golden, about 3–5 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Season the Patties
    Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper. Press a small dent in the center to prevent doming while cooking.
  5. Step 5: Cook on the Stove
    Heat oil in a skillet over high heat until hot. Cook patties for 1½ minutes per side, pressing lightly. After flipping, top with cheese and cook until melted. Rest 3 minutes before assembling.
  6. Step 6: Or Cook on the BBQ
    Preheat BBQ to high. Grill patties for 1½ minutes per side, adding cheese after flipping. Toast buns for 2–3 minutes until golden. Rest patties before serving.
  7. Step 7: Assemble the Burgers
    Spread sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, tomato, patty (or two), gherkins, and onion rings. Finish with more sauce and top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use ground beef with at least 20% fat for juicy burgers. Don’t overmix the meat to keep them tender. Cover the pan for 30 seconds at the end for perfectly melted cheese. For a twist, add caramelized onions, a fried egg, or crispy bacon. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and sauces.