Spoon Simple
Classic American Cheeseburger
A juicy beef patty on a toasted brioche bun with melted American cheese, mayonnaise, crisp lettuce, and raw onion. The diner cheeseburger, made at home in about 20 minutes.
Prep 10 min
Cook 10 min
Total 20 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — Form the patties
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20, cold)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Step 2 — Cheese, mayo, and toppings
- 4 slices American cheese
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 4 leaves green leaf or iceberg lettuce
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
Step 3 — Toast the buns
- 4 brioche burger buns (split)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- 1
Form the patties
Divide the cold beef into 4 even portions, about 6 oz each. Shape loose ¾-inch patties slightly wider than the buns — handle the meat as little as possible. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each so they stay flat as they cook. Season both sides with salt and pepper right before they hit the pan.
- 2
Sear and melt the cheese
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high until it just starts to smoke. Add the patties and cook 3 minutes without moving them, until a deep brown crust forms. Flip, lay a slice of American cheese on each patty, and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium. A splash of water in the pan and a lid for the last minute melts the cheese over the edges. Rest the patties 2 minutes.
- 3
Toast and assemble
Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in the hot skillet until golden. Spread mayonnaise on both halves. On the bottom bun, layer lettuce, the cheeseburger patty, and a pile of raw red onion. Set the top bun on and serve right away.
Nutrition per serving: 740 cal · 36g protein · 36g carbs · 48g fat · 1g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
