Classic Cheeseburger Recipe

This Applebee’s classic cheeseburger is everything you want from a solid burger—seasoned beef, melty cheddar, crispy lettuce, and a secret sauce that’s way better than it needs to be. It’s not hard, just takes a bit of prep. Cheaper than eating out, and yeah… hits way harder when you’re hungry.

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Quick Summary

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cook time: 35 mins
• Flavor: savory, juicy, saucy
• Great for: cookouts, cheat days, big cravings

Why I Like This Recipe

I was craving a real burger — not drive-thru stuff, but like, melty cheese and a good sauce. Threw this together and didn’t regret it. Honestly, the secret sauce kinda steals the show. I kept dipping fries in it after.

Ingredients

Burger Patties:

• 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
• 3 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp mustard powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 brioche or Hawaiian buns
• Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, caramelized onions (optional)

Secret Sauce:

• 1 cup mayo
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp pickle juice
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 2 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp stone-ground mustard

How To Make Classic Cheeseburger

1. Mix your sauce: Toss everything in a bowl, whisk, and chill it.
2. Make the patties: Mix beef + seasonings. Form into 6 thin patties.
3. Preheat grill: Get it HOT. Then lower to medium.
4. Grill time: Salt + pepper the patties. Grill 5 mins, flip, another 3–5 mins.
5. Add cheese + toast buns: Let cheese melt and buns get a bit crispy.
6. Assemble: Sauce both buns. Patty, lettuce, tomato, onions if you’re fancy. Pickles? Go for it.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the beef or it’ll be tough.
• Use a hot grill to get that sear.
• Toasted buns make it feel “restaurant-y.”
• Secret sauce = game changer.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftover patties separately — 3 days max.
• Reheat: Skillet or oven’s best. Microwave works but not ideal.
• Sauce: Keeps in the fridge for a week. Use it on sandwiches too.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q1: Can I pan-fry instead of grill?
  Yep. Cast iron pan works great.
• Q2: What if I don’t eat beef?
  Use ground turkey or chicken, same seasoning works.
• Q3: Can I make the patties ahead?
  Yes — form and chill them. Just cook when you’re ready.
• Q4: Any sauce subs?
  You could use store-bought, but this one’s better. Just saying.
• Q5: Are brioche buns a must?
  No, but they’re softer and soak up the sauce nicely.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Pressing the patties while they cook: Don’t. It squeezes out all the juice.
• Not toasting the buns: They get soggy otherwise. A quick toast changes everything.
• Skipping the sauce: It’s not optional. Seriously.
• Using lean beef: You want 80/20 for flavor.
• Overcooking: Pull it off when it’s just done. It keeps cooking a bit after.

Nutrition Facts (Per Burger)

• Calories: 784
• Total Fat: 52g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Potassium: 480mg
• Carbs: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 38g