The Only Hamburger Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This is the ultimate hamburger with all of the toppings you need and none that you don’t. We’re talking caramelized onions, special sauce, gouda cheese, and of course, bread and butter pickles. And yes, you’ll want fries with that.

The Perfect Hamburger
Makes: 2 hamburgers
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 slices gouda cheese
• 2 brioche buns, sliced and toasted
• Bread and butter pickles (4–5 slices per burger)
• Butter lettuce (1–2 leaves per burger)
• Heirloom tomato, sliced (1 slice per burger)
• Caramelized onions (about ¼ cup per burger)
  • Click here for the only caramelized onion recipe you’ll ever need.
• 4 tbs burger sauce aka “special sauce”
  • Click here for the only burger sauce recipe you’ll ever need.
• Optional: steakhouse burger seasoning blend in the notes below.

DIRECTIONS

1. Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and gently shape into patties slightly wider than your buns. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If opting for the steakhouse seasoning, see notes below.
2. Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add a little oil or butter, then cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on the first side. Flip, then top each with a slice of gouda. Cover loosely with a lid or close the grill and cook another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and burger is cooked to your desired doneness.
3. Toast the Buns: While the burgers cook, toast the brioche buns until golden—either in a skillet with a touch of butter or on the grill itself.
4. The fun part, assembling the Burgers!
   • Spread special sauce on both the top and bottom buns (1 tbs per side.)
   • Starting with the bottom bun, layer the cheesy burger patty, bread and butter pickles, caramelized onions, a slice of heirloom tomato, and a leaf or two of butter lettuce.
   • Cap it with the top bun and serve immediately!

NOTES

• Optional Steakhouse Burger Seasoning (for 2 patties):
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt to taste (sprinkled just before cooking)
  • How to Use:
    • Gently mix the Worcestershire sauce and dry seasonings into the ground beef just until combined – don’t overwork it, or the patties can get tough. Shape into patties and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
• Click here for the only caramelized onion recipe you’ll ever need.
• Click here for the only burger sauce recipe you’ll ever need.