Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) Dried Thyme
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tsp (5g) Salt
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil, or other cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Worcestershire Sauce
  • Pinch of Garlic Powder
  • 4 Burger Buns (Brioche buns recommended)
  • 4 slices Cheddar Cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1 Tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 Head of Lettuce, washed and separated into leaves
  • 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Pickles, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Gently combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Be careful not to overmix. Form into 4 equally sized patties, slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink when cooking). Press a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder.
  3. Slice the tomato, onion (if using), and pickles (if using). Wash and dry the lettuce.
  4. Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking, allowing them to melt.
  5. Lightly toast the burger buns, either in a toaster or on the grill pan after removing the patties.
  6. Spread sauce (if using) on the top and bottom buns. Layer lettuce, tomato, onion (if using), pickles (if using), cheeseburger patty, and the top bun.
  7. Serve your masterpiece while it's still hot and juicy.