Cheeseburgers
It's okay to make something entirely about ourselves once in a while.
Beyond the Ingredients
Why This Recipe Matters
Almost everyone knows what a cheeseburger is, but ask a hundred people to describe their perfect burger and you'll probably get a hundred different answers. Some prefer a thick, juicy patty, while others want a thin smash burger with crispy edges. There are countless ways to season the meat, different cheeses to choose from, and seemingly endless combinations of toppings, buns, and condiments.
What makes cheeseburgers interesting is that something so universally familiar can also be completely personal. We can follow a traditional recipe, change nearly every ingredient, or leave off anything we don't enjoy. The only preference that really matters is our own.
Much of our lives involves considering other people. We make compromises, accommodate different expectations, fulfill responsibilities, and adjust our decisions around the needs of those who depend on us. These are important parts of life, but constantly placing everyone else's preferences ahead of our own can leave little room for what makes us happy.
Recognizing our own wants and preferences isn't selfish in a harmful sense. We have needs, interests, and desires that deserve consideration too. We don't have to justify every personal choice by explaining how it benefits someone else.
There are moments when it's perfectly reasonable to put ourselves first. To choose something simply because we enjoy it, spend time doing something that matters to us, or make a decision based on what we want rather than what someone else expects.
The Takeaway
We don't have to earn the right to enjoy something that's just for us. Making room for our own happiness, even in small and ordinary ways, is a meaningful way of recognizing that our needs and preferences matter too.
What You Need
Ingredients
Serves 4 burgers
How to Make It
Directions
- 1
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions — about 6 oz each. Handle the meat as little as possible.
- 2
Gently form each portion into a ball, then flatten into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb — this prevents the burger from puffing up as it cooks.
- 3
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder right before cooking.
- 4
Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat until it is very hot — about 2 minutes. Add a thin layer of oil with a high smoke point (canola or vegetable oil).
- 5
Place the patties in the pan without crowding. Do not press them down. Do not move them.
- 6
Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a deep brown crust forms and the patty releases easily from the pan.
- 7
Flip once. Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each patty.
- 8
Cook for 2–3 more minutes for medium (slightly pink inside) or 3–4 minutes for well done.
- 9
While the burgers cook, butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden.
- 10
Remove the burgers and let rest for 1–2 minutes.
- 11
Assemble with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
From the Kitchen
Small Things That Matter
80/20 ground beef is the sweet spot — the fat is what makes burgers juicy and flavorful, so don't go too lean
A superhot pan is essential — a lukewarm pan steams the meat instead of searing it, and you lose the crust
Never press the burger down while cooking — you're literally squeezing all the juices out onto the pan
Season right before cooking, not ahead of time — salt draws moisture out and can make the surface wet
Variations & Additions
Make It Yours
- Try the smash burger method — form a loose ball, place in the hot pan, and smash flat with a spatula for maximum crust
- Mix finely diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of garlic into the ground beef before forming patties for extra flavor throughout
- Layer on caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and Swiss cheese for a steakhouse-style burger
- Swap the bun for a lettuce wrap, or serve the patties over a salad for a low-carb version that's still incredibly satisfying
Watch It
Watch It Being Made
Video courtesy of America's Test Kitchen
This video may not follow our recipe exactly. Ingredients, amounts, or steps can differ a little. Use it as a guide to see the techniques in action, and follow the recipe on this page for the details. All videos
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