🧾 Ingredients
For the Patties (Makes 4 burgers):
- 1 lb (450g) ground chuck (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1 tbsp cold butter, grated (for extra juiciness)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Burger Assembly:
- 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame recommended)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Dill pickle slices
- Butter for toasting buns
👩🍳 How to Prepare
1. Make the Secret Sauce
In a small bowl, combine all the secret sauce ingredients. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the burgers — the flavors improve as it chills.
2. Prepare the Patties
- In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t overmix — just enough to combine.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties slightly wider than your buns (they shrink while cooking).
- If using, place a little grated cold butter in the center of each patty and fold the meat around it for extra moisture.
3. Cook the Patties
- Heat a grill or heavy skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness, flipping once. Don’t press down on them — you’ll squeeze out the juices.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
4. Toast the Buns
- Lightly butter the insides of the buns.
- Toast them cut-side down on a skillet or grill until golden and crispy (about 1–2 minutes).
5. Assemble the Burgers
- Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
- Place the cheesy patty on the bottom bun.
- Add lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
- Top with the other bun.