Name: Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 20 to 24 ounces ground beef (90/10); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 8 slices American cheese; 4 hamburger buns; Fresh lettuce leaves; 4 slices tomato; 4 slices red onion

If you’re craving a juicy, melty burger but want to skip the grill, my Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe has got you covered. These thin, flavorful patties cook quickly on your stove, layered with gooey American cheese and a special homemade sauce that takes every bite to another level.

A close-up of a double cheeseburger on a white plate with a side salad on a white marbled surface. The burger has a soft golden bun top with layers beneath it: two slices of red onion, a bright red tomato slice, two melted yellow cheese-covered beef patties with a slightly browned texture, fresh green lettuce, and a light spread of sauce on the bottom bun. The side salad includes leafy green lettuce, cucumber slices, and tomato pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this stovetop double cheeseburger recipe quickly became my go-to when I want that diner-quality burger without stepping outside. It’s simple, fast, and guaranteed to satisfy that cheeseburger craving every time.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from prep to plate, perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy Thin Patties: Pressed thin for maximum caramelized crust and flavor in less time.
Special Burger Sauce: A tangy, creamy sauce that adds a delicious homemade touch.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find components—just solid, honest flavors.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to grab fresh, quality ingredients. Using ground beef with the right fat content and layering flavors carefully will make all the difference. Here’s a rundown of why I choose each main ingredient for these stovetop double cheeseburgers.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground beef, whole uncracked brown eggs, a few crisp green lettuce leaves, several thick slices of ripe red tomato, a few rings of vibrant purple-red onion, a couple of soft golden hamburger buns, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of chunky green pickle relish, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of pale garlic powder, several slices of smooth yellow American cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mayonnaise: Gives the burger sauce a creamy base and richness that balances the tangy elements.
Ketchup: Adds classic sweetness and tomato flavor to the sauce.
Pickle Relish: Brings that perfect zing and crunch to the burger sauce.
Ground Beef (90/10): Offers a juicy, flavorful patty with just the right fat content for stovetop cooking.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the beef’s natural flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic depth.
Garlic Powder (optional): An extra layer of subtle savory flavor if you’re into a little garlic kick.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking in the pan and adds a touch of fruity flavor.
American Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheeseburger gooeyness.
Hamburger Buns: A soft, sturdy base that holds everything perfectly without falling apart.
Fresh Lettuce: Adds crispness and freshness to each bite.
Tomato Slices: Juicy and sweet, they balance the savory patties.
Red Onion: Provides a nice sharpness and crunch that cuts through the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like your burger stacked high or prefer a simpler single patty, there are plenty of ways to make it your own without losing that juicy, melty goodness.

Variation: For a lighter twist, swap the American cheese for a slice of sharp cheddar or Swiss. I personally love the nuttiness of Swiss with the special burger sauce—it adds a subtle depth I didn’t expect.
Vegetarian option: Try using seasoned black bean patties in place of beef and use a vegan mayo in the sauce. It’s a tasty way to keep that all-important burger vibe without the meat.
Spiced up sauce: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of mustard to the sauce. It gives that extra little kick that wakes up all the classic flavors.
Toasted buns: Lightly toasting the buns in the same skillet after cooking the patties adds a buttery crunch that makes each bite even more satisfying. Try it—I promise it’s worth the few extra seconds.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe

A woman's hand holds a cheeseburger with a shiny, soft light brown bun that has a smooth texture. Inside the bun, from bottom to top, there is a green lettuce leaf, two thick juicy brown beef patties with melted yellow cheese dripping slightly over the edges, a slice of red tomato, and thin slices of purple onion. The background shows a blurred white plate with some green salad on it over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip up that Easy Burger Sauce

Start by stirring together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon pickle relish in a small bowl. Taste it and adjust with a little more ketchup or relish if you like your sauce sweeter or tangier. This sauce brings everything together with its creamy, tangy goodness—trust me, don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Form and Season Your Patties

Divide 20 to 24 ounces of 90/10 ground beef into eight loose 3-ounce balls for those perfect double-stacked patties. Keep them gentle and soft—overworking the meat can make the burgers tough. Then, sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if you like, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder evenly on each ball’s surface for that subtle flavor boost.

Step 3: Heat Your Skillet and Oil

Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom. The oil helps create that deliciously browned crust on the patties that’s so satisfying when you bite in.

Step 4: Press and Cook Thin Patties

Place each seasoned meatball into the hot skillet one at a time. Cover the ball with a piece of foil, then press down firmly with a second small pan or skillet until the patty is about ⅓ inch thick and evenly shaped. This technique ensures those crispy edges and quick cooking times. Cook each patty for 2 minutes without moving it to get a nice sear.

Step 5: Flip, Cheese, and Finish Cooking

Flip each patty carefully and immediately top with a slice of American cheese (use two if you’re stacking). Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through. The patties will shrink slightly, so be gentle if you need to nudge them back into shape.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dream Burger

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of your homemade burger sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with fresh lettuce leaves, then stack one or two cheeseburger patties depending on your appetite. Add a slice of ripe tomato and a few rings of red onion for some crunch and brightness. Cap it off with the top bun and get ready for one seriously satisfying bite.

Step 7: Serve While Hot and Enjoy!

These burgers are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is gooey and the patties are juicy. Serve with your favorite sides and watch everyone come back for seconds.

Top Tip

Perfecting the stovetop double cheeseburger takes a little care, but these tips will help you get that juicy, flavorful bite every single time.

Pressing with Foil: Using foil to cover the patties before pressing helps create super-thin, even patties without sticking to your press—trust me, it’s a game changer.
Season Outside the Ball: Season the ground beef balls on the outside before cooking. This keeps the seasoning where you want it without overworking the meat.
Keep a Light Touch: Resist the urge to press down with your spatula during cooking to keep all those delicious juices inside the patties.
Customize Your Sauce: Don’t be shy to tweak the burger sauce—adding smoked paprika or a dash of mustard gave my version a little extra zing that really shines.

How to Serve Stovetop Double Cheeseburger Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a thick, creamy sauce that has a light beige color with small chunks and specks scattered throughout. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, slightly dipping into the sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright background to the image. The texture of the sauce looks smooth but with some uneven bits giving it a homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and crisp rings of red onion add just the right crunch and brightness to balance the savory and melty cheese layers. If you want to add a little more, pickles and a few dashes of hot sauce bring an exciting tangy kick that never disappoints.

Side Dishes

Serve these double cheeseburgers alongside crispy oven-baked fries or classic potato chips for that unbeatable comfort combo. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted sweet potato wedges also pairs wonderfully, offering a bit of freshness or sweetness to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the patties and buns separately. Wrap cooked patties tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep your buns in a bread bag at room temperature or wrapped in foil to avoid drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked patties by wrapping each patty individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Store buns separately in a sealed bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 3 to 4 minutes per side to retain juiciness. Toast buns lightly in the same skillet or toaster oven just before assembling your burger for that fresh, warm bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this stovetop double cheeseburger recipe?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and is classic for this style, you can swap in cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese for a delightful twist on flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare and cook the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before assembling your burgers to keep them juicy and flavorful.

What if I don’t have foil to press the patties?

If foil isn’t on hand, you can use parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to cover the patties before pressing. This helps avoid sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How do I avoid dry burgers when cooking on the stovetop?

Using 90/10 ground beef and avoiding pressing down on the patties with your spatula during cooking helps retain the juices. Also, cooking the patties for just 2 minutes per side (for the thin double patties) keeps them moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

This stovetop double cheeseburger recipe has quickly become a favorite for busy weeknights and casual weekend dinners alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get that crave-worthy, juicy burger experience without firing up the grill. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make and enjoy your own double-stacked cheeseburgers at home—trust me, once you try it, you might never want to order takeout again!