Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients

For the burgers

  • 600 g ground beef, ideally 80% lean / 20% fat
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • 1 tbsp butter, for toasting

Toppings

  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Dill pickle slices

Ultimate burger sauce

  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

Method

  1. Prepare the sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate until needed.
  2. Shape the burgers: Divide the beef into four 150 g portions. Gently form thick patties without overworking the meat. Press a shallow indentation into the centre of each patty.
  3. Season: Just before cooking, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. Cook: Heat a cast-iron pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side. Ground beef should reach 71°C / 160°F internally for food safety.
  5. Add the cheese: During the final minute, place cheddar on each burger and cover briefly so it becomes completely melted.
  6. Toast the buns: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast until golden and slightly crisp.
  7. Build the ultimate burger: Spread sauce over the bottom bun, then layer lettuce → tomato → juicy beef patty → melted cheddar → pickles → red onion → extra sauce. Finish with the toasted top bun.

Juiciness tip: Use 80/20 beef, handle it as little as possible, and never press the patties with your spatula while they’re cooking—that squeezes out the flavorful juices.