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Classic Beef Burgers Recipe: Best Homemade with Secret Sauce

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Juicy, flavorful beef burgers made with an 80/20 blend and topped with a tangy, creamy secret sauce. Perfect for family cookouts, weeknight dinners, or game day gatherings—these classic burgers deliver pure comfort and crowd-pleasing taste every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • Pinch of sugar
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 6–8 soft hamburger buns (brioche, potato, or sesame seed)
  • 6–8 cheddar cheese slices
  • 6–8 lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine)
  • 1–2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • Red onion slices (optional)
  • Dill pickle chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, smoked paprika, white vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Stir until creamy and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix just until combined.
  3. Divide beef mixture into 6-8 equal portions and gently form into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a small dimple in the center of each patty.
  4. Set patties aside on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 15 minutes if possible.
  5. Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Slice tomatoes and onions. Prepare cheese, pickles, and buns.
  6. Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed.
  7. Add patties to the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving, until a crust forms.
  8. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for medium-rare, 3-4 minutes for medium. Add cheese during the last minute and cover to melt.
  9. Remove patties and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Wipe out the pan and add a pat of butter. Toast buns, cut side down, until golden and crisp.
  11. Spread secret sauce on both bun halves. Layer lettuce, tomato, and onion on the bottom bun. Add the cheesy burger patty, top with pickles, and finish with the top bun.
  12. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns. For low-carb, serve burgers in lettuce wraps. Don’t overwork the beef for tender patties. Make a dimple in each patty to prevent puffing. Rest burgers before assembling for juiciness. The secret sauce improves as it sits—make ahead if possible. Cheese melts best if you cover the pan for the last minute. Patties can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef burgers, classic burger, homemade burger, secret sauce, summer grilling, family cookout, easy dinner, comfort food, American burger, cast iron skillet

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/classic-beef-burgers-recipe-best-homemade-with-secret-sauce/