Skillet Burgers
Skillet burgers are a fantastic choice for getting a perfectly juicy patty with a deliciously crispy, browned crust. This method gives you maximum control and is perfect for making incredible cheeseburgers right on your stovetop.
Perfect Pan-Seared Skillet Burgers
This recipe focuses on the technique to create a restaurant-quality burger at home. The key is a hot skillet, minimal handling of the meat, and a great melting cheese.
Yields: 4 burgers
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for juiciness and flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices of cheese (American is classic for melting, but Cheddar, Provolone, or Swiss are great)
- 4 hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns are excellent choices)
- 1 tbsp butter, mayonnaise, or oil for toasting the buns
For Classic Toppings (Optional):
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for the skillet
- 1 thin onion, sliced into rings (for caramelizing, if desired)
- Lettuce (iceberg or butter)
- 1 ripe tomato, sliced
- Dill pickle chips
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Instructions
Form the Patties: Gently divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Lightly shape each portion into a patty about ½-inch wider than your hamburger buns and ¾-inch thick. Press a gentle indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb—this prevents them from puffing up into a ball as they cook.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is perfect) over medium-high heat. Let the pan get thoroughly hot for about 3-5 minutes. You should see faint wisps of smoke. Add the butter or oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
Season and Sear: Just before placing the patties in the hot skillet, season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between them. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-well burger, adjusting the time for your preferred doneness. Do not press down on the patties with your spatula—this squeezes out the precious juices.
Melt the Cheese: After flipping the burgers for the final time, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. To get it perfectly melted, add 1 tablespoon of water to the skillet (away from the burgers) and immediately cover the pan with a lid or a baking sheet. The steam will melt the cheese in about 30-60 seconds.
Rest and Toast Buns: Transfer the cooked burgers to a clean plate and let them rest for a few minutes. While they rest, wipe out the hot skillet. Place the buns cut-side down in the dry skillet (or add a little butter/mayo) and toast for 30-60 seconds until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Assemble and Serve: Spread your favorite condiments on the toasted buns. Place the cheesy patty on the bottom bun, and add your desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Top with the other bun and serve immediately.
Tips for Success & Variations
The Right Beef: The fat content is crucial. An 80/20 or even 85/15 blend provides enough fat to keep the burgers moist and create a flavorful crust. Leaner beef can easily become dry.
The Smash Burger Method: For a different style, form the beef into four equal balls. Place them in the hot skillet and immediately use a heavy spatula or a second pan to press them down firmly until they are about ¼-inch thick. They will have incredibly lacy, crispy edges. Cook for 2-3 minutes total, then top with cheese and serve.
Caramelized Onions: While the burgers rest, you can use the same skillet to quickly caramelize a sliced onion in a little butter over medium heat until soft and golden.
The Patty Melt: For a classic diner-style patty melt, skip the traditional bun. Use two slices of rye bread, butter the outsides, and build the sandwich with the burger, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions. Grill it in the skillet like a grilled cheese until golden and the cheese is melted.
Flavor Boosters: For a little extra flavor, you can mix 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, or ½ tsp onion powder into the ground beef before forming the patties.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful skillet burgers
Skillet Burgers Video :



