Serves: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients

  • 500 g ground beef, ideally 80% lean / 20% fat
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 4 burger buns
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • ½ red or white onion, thinly sliced
  • Pickles, sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil for toasting buns

For the burger sauce

  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles or pickle relish

Method

  1. Make the patties: Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties slightly wider than the buns. Make a small indentation in the centre of each. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and chopped pickles.
  3. Cook: Heat a grill or heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. For food safety, ground beef should reach 71°C / 160°F internally.
  4. Add cheese: Place a cheese slice on each patty during the final minute and let it melt.
  5. Toast the buns: Lightly butter the cut sides and toast them in the pan until golden.
  6. Assemble: Spread sauce on the bottom bun, then add lettuce, beef patty with cheese, tomato, onion and pickles. Add a little more sauce and finish with the top bun.

Tip: Don’t overwork or press down on the beef while it cooks—the looser patty stays much juicier. Serve with fries, coleslaw, or onion rings.