Classic Cheeseburger with Homemade Sauce – Juicy and Flavorful

Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Introduction

The classic cheeseburger is an all-time favorite in American cuisine — a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade sauce, all sandwiched between a toasted bun. This recipe focuses on making the perfect patties and a delicious sauce that elevates the burger experience. Perfect for backyard BBQs, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

500g (1.1 lb) ground beef (80% lean)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Homemade Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle relish
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Assembly:

4 burger buns, lightly toasted
4 slices cheddar cheese
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Onion slices (red or white)
Pickle slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Mix until smooth and refrigerate until serving.

2. Form the Patties

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Gently mix without overworking the meat.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1.5 cm thick.

3. Cook the Patties

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook patties for about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
Place a slice of cheddar on each patty during the last minute to melt.

4. Assemble the Burgers

Spread the homemade sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Add lettuce, tomato slices, and onion slices.
Place the cheesy patty on top.
Add pickles and the top bun.
Serve immediately with fries or a side salad.

Tips & Variations

Cheese options: Try Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese for different flavors.
Patty mix: Add chopped onions or herbs to the meat for extra taste.
Cooking method: Grill outdoors for smoky flavor or pan-fry indoors.