With classic ingredients and simple preparation, this Cheeseburger Recipe is a summer favorite. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will enjoy.
I’m a big fan of a good cheeseburger. They’re endlessly customizable, easy to prepare, and perfect for grilling season. This is my go-to cheeseburger: straightforward, well-balanced, and reliably delicious.
Using just a few pantry-friendly ingredients, these burgers come together fast. You can scale the recipe up or down depending on how many people you’re feeding. I usually make four patties, though I could easily eat more if allowed!
If you love burgers, this is one to try — classic flavors that always satisfy.
Why this recipe works
- Minimal ingredients make it quick and simple.
- Easy to double or triple for larger gatherings.
- Highly customizable — choose whatever toppings you like.
Ingredients (full recipe below)
Ground beef
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Light brown sugar (packed)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
American cheese (or your preferred cheese)
Burger buns and toppings of your choice
How to make the cheeseburgers
- Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the burgers tender — mixing by hand works well.
- Divide the mixture into four even portions. Shape each into a patty and press a small indentation in the center of each with your thumb; this helps prevent the burgers from puffing up while cooking.
- Preheat the grill to high and let it heat for about 10 minutes. Lightly oil the grates, then place the patties on the grill. Cook roughly 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until they reach your desired doneness. For medium-well, aim for an internal temperature around 150°F (65°C).
- A couple of minutes before the burgers are finished, place a slice of cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- When the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking, serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
This recipe uses simple, reliable ingredients that deliver consistent results. The seasoning blend gives the beef a lightly sweet and savory profile that pairs perfectly with American cheese and classic toppings.
What kind of beef to use
Choose a lean ground beef to help control fat and reduce excessive shrinkage. An 85/15 blend (85% lean, 15% fat) is a good choice. You can go leaner if you prefer.
Why indent the burgers?
Pressing a shallow indentation in the center of each patty prevents the meat from bulging in the middle as it cooks. This keeps the burgers flatter and more even in size, which helps them cook uniformly and reduces over-shrinking.
How to store leftovers
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips and tricks
- Top with your favorite burger toppings — lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and sauces all work great.
- Using leaner ground beef helps limit shrinking and excess grease.
- Indent the center of each patty before grilling for even cooking.
- American cheese melts nicely and is classic, but any melting cheese will work.
If you’re after a classic, reliable grilled burger, this Cheeseburger Recipe is worth making. It’s simple, flavorful, and easy to adapt — it may become your go-to for backyard cookouts.
If you like this recipe you might also like:
- Herb Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
- Garlic Parmesan Grilled Potato Wedges
- Carne Asada Steak Kabobs
If you’ve tried this Cheeseburger Recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments.
Cheeseburger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- Burger buns and toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix to combine fully but try not to over mix or it may make the burgers tough. Mixing by hand is recommended.
- Portion the mixture into four even portions. Form into patties and make a small indention in the center of each burger to prevent puffing.
- Preheat the grill over high heat for 10 minutes. Lightly oil the grates and place the burgers on the grill. Cook about 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until desired temperature (about 150°F for medium-well).
- Add a slice of cheese on top of each patty a couple minutes before done and close the lid to melt.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Buns and toppings are not included in the nutritional calculation.
- Top with any favorite burger toppings.
- Leaner ground beef reduces shrinking.
- Indent the patties before cooking so they cook evenly.
- Use any melting cheese you prefer; American is classic.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 6 g |
Protein: 40 g |
Fat: 15 g