Classic American Cheeseburger Recipe (17 Minutes)
Juicy beef patty with melted American cheese on a soft brioche bun. Fast food quality at home in 5 minutes!
Method
- Form beef into a thin patty slightly larger than the bun (it shrinks).
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat cast iron skillet on high heat until smoking hot.
- Smash patty onto hot skillet and cook 2 minutes without moving.
- Flip, immediately add cheese to melt, cook 1 minute.
- Place on toasted bun with toppings and condiments.
This 5-Minute Classic American Cheeseburger brings restaurant-style fast food flavor straight to your kitchen. A juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patty is pan-seared and topped with melted American cheese, creating a rich, savory bite every time.
Served on a soft, buttery brioche bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and classic burger sauces, this cheeseburger is perfect for quick dinners, easy lunches, or late-night cravings.
If you’re searching for an easy homemade cheeseburger recipe, quick dinner idea, or a fast food–style burger at home, this recipe is the ideal choice. Ready in just 5 minutes, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 650 kcal
- Protein
- 28 g
- Carbs
- 32 g
- Fat
- 42 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
- Sugar
- 8 g
- Sodium
- 920 mg
Values are estimates based on USDA FoodData Central and vary with brands and portioning.
Chef notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burger.
Leaner meat dries out quickly.
Substitutions
- American cheese: Cheddar or pepper jack
- Brioche: Potato bun or sesame
- Beef: Turkey or impossible patty
Serving suggestions
Serve with a side of crispy french fries or onion rings for the ultimate combo.
Storage
Eat immediately for best experience.
Reheating
Not recommended - burgers are best fresh.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Spatula
- Bun warmer
Variations
- Bacon: Add crispy bacon strips
- Mushroom: Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss
- Spicy: Add jalapeños and pepper jack
Why it works
High heat creates the Maillard reaction, giving the patty that delicious crust and beef flavor.
Frequently asked questions
What's smash burger?
Pressing thin creates more crust.
Best internal temp?
160°F (71°C) for well-done, 145°F (63°C) for medium.
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