Crack Burgers Cheddar Lettuce (Print)

Savory beef patties, cheddar, lettuce, and tomato layered on toasted buns for a crowd-pleasing summer meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 450 g 80/20 ground beef
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

04 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup (60 g) shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
06 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
07 - ½ cup (60 g) dill pickles, sliced

→ Assembly

08 - 4 soft hamburger buns
09 - 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or warm a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide evenly and shape into four patties, each approximately 2.5 cm thick.
03 - Gently press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a shallow indentation. This helps maintain even cooking and prevents bulging.
04 - Place patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until burgers reach your preferred doneness.
05 - In the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of cheddar cheese atop each patty. Cover with a lid or foil to encourage melting.
06 - Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
07 - Layer each bun base with a hot beef patty, then top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, pickle slices, and finish with a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For enhanced flavor, let the formed patties rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
02 - Handle the ground beef minimally to maintain a tender texture.