Ultimate Classic American Cheeseburger

1.Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.

2.In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

3.Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

4.Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, until browned and slightly charred.

5.Flip the patties and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties reach your desired doneness (medium rare to medium is recommended).

6.While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.

7.Assemble the burgers: on the bottom half of each bun, layer shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the cooked cheeseburger patty. Add pickles, ketchup, and mustard to taste before placing the top half of the bun on each burger.

8.Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, like fries or a salad.