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Savory Ultimate Beef Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Guide

ultimate beef burger - featured image

A juicy, flavorful beef burger paired with a tangy secret sauce, perfect for quick meals, BBQs, and family gatherings. This recipe delivers a nostalgic comfort food experience with simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns, toasted (brioche or potato buns)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • Leafy lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce)
  • Thin slices of ripe tomato
  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • Pickle slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick patty. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty.
  2. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.
  3. Slice and toast the burger buns lightly in a skillet or toaster. Set aside.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip patties, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top, and cook for another 3 minutes for medium doneness (160°F internal temperature).
  5. Spread secret sauce on the bottom bun, layer with lettuce, cheesy beef patty, tomato slices, red onion, and pickles. Add more secret sauce on the top bun, close the burger, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the beef to keep patties tender. Press a dimple in the center of patties to prevent puffing. Avoid pressing patties while cooking to retain juices. Let patties rest a few minutes before assembling. Secret sauce tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef burger, secret sauce, easy burger recipe, backyard BBQ, juicy burger, comfort food, cheddar cheese burger