The Best Ever Cheeseburger

1. Prepare the Patties:
   • Gently shape the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties, making a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb (this helps the burger cook evenly and prevents puffing up in the middle).
   • Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder if you like.
2. Preheat Your Grill or Skillet:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
3. Cook the Patties:
   • Place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. Only flip them once to get a good sear.
   • About 1 minute before the patties are done, place a slice of cheese on each patty and close the grill lid or cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
4. Toast the Buns:
   • While the patties are cooking, cut the burger buns in half and toast them lightly on the grill or in a separate skillet until golden brown.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Add a layer of lettuce, then the cheeseburger patty with melted cheese.
   • Top with tomato slices, red onion slices, pickles, and any additional condiments like ketchup and mustard.
   • Place the top half of the bun on top to complete the burger.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your delicious cheeseburger!