Name: Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers 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 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; 8 slices American cheese; 4 hamburger buns; 4 leaves fresh lettuce; 4 slices tomato; 4 slices red onion

If you’re craving that juicy, melty cheeseburger experience but want to skip the grill, you’re going to love this Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe. These burgers come together quickly and deliver that satisfying double-stack goodness straight from your stovetop to your plate.

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 Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these stovetop double cheeseburgers — they’re just so tender and juicy, with that perfect thin patty edge-to-edge melt of American cheese. Plus, that homemade burger sauce really ties everything together.

Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Juicy, thin patties: Pressed and cooked just right for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Homemade sauce: A simple yet delicious burger sauce that adds a tangy kick.
Classic toppings: Fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion round out the perfect bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your ingredients right sets the foundation for these classic cheeseburgers. I like to keep it straightforward — good-quality ground beef, fresh veggies, and simple pantry staples for the sauce. Here’s what you'll need and why each choice matters.

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: The creamy base of our burger sauce lends richness without overwhelming the flavors.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to balance the mayo perfectly.
Pickle Relish: Brings in a bit of crunch and that classic burger tang.
Ground beef (90/10): Ideal for juicy, flavorful patties without excess fat.
Kosher salt: Enhances the beef’s natural flavor, essential for seasoning the patties evenly.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the burger meat.
Garlic powder (optional): A subtle layer of savory flavor that complements the beef.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the patties cook evenly without sticking, and adds a mild fruity note.
American cheese slices: Melts beautifully over the patties, giving that ooey-gooey cheeseburger magic.
Hamburger buns: Sturdy buns like brioche or potato rolls hold up well to the juicy patties and sauce.
Fresh lettuce: Adds crispness and a cool contrast to those hot, cheesy patties.
Sliced tomato: Provides juiciness and a bright flavor boost.
Red onion slices: Brings a mild bite that complements the richness of the burger.

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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 the Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. Whether you want to tweak the sauce, swap cheeses, or add a few extra toppings, the basic method is friendly to all kinds of personal touches.

Cheese Swap: I love switching American cheese out for sharp cheddar or even pepper jack when I want a little kick. It melts just as beautifully and adds an extra dimension of flavor.
Single Patty Option: When I'm in a hurry or craving something a bit meatier, I go for four 5-ounce patties instead. The cooking time just goes up to 3 to 4 minutes per side, and it's wonderfully satisfying.
Bun Choices: Using brioche or potato rolls makes these burgers feel extra special. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness balance perfectly with the savory meat and sauce.
Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef before forming the patties gives a subtle smoky richness that really complements the simple seasoning.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers 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 the Perfect Burger Sauce

Start by mixing together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon pickle relish in a small bowl. Give it a quick stir and taste—feel free to adjust the balance to suit your preference. This simple sauce adds a creamy tang that's just right for those juicy double patties.

Step 2: Form and Season Your Patties Gently

Divide 20 ounces of ground beef into eight loosely packed 3-ounce balls—these will give you those iconic thin double-stacked patties. Lightly sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if you're feeling adventurous, a ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder on the outside of each ball. Handle the meat gently to keep it tender and avoid compressing it too much.

Step 3: Press and Flatten in a Hot Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium-high and add 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Place each beef ball into the pan one at a time. Cover each with a piece of foil and press down firmly using a second small pan or skillet to flatten the patty to roughly ⅛ inch thickness. This technique ensures your patties are super thin and cook evenly, capturing the true essence of a double-stack burger.

Step 4: Cook and Cheese Your Patties to Juicy Perfection

Cook each patty for about 2 minutes on the first side until you get a nice golden-brown crust. Flip carefully, top immediately with a slice of American cheese, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts fully and the patties are cooked through. Be gentle when handling them—pressing too hard can squeeze out the precious juices.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burger Masterpiece

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the burger sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer a fresh leaf of lettuce, then stack two cheese-topped patties for that iconic double effect. Top with a ripe slice of tomato and crisp red onion. Cap it with the bun top and serve immediately for the best juicy, melty experience.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe is all about technique and the little details that bring these juicy patties to life. These tips come from plenty of testing and a love for that classic burger experience.

Handle the Meat Gently: Pressing the beef balls too hard when forming patties can make them dense. I learned that keeping the meat loose helps keep each patty tender and juicy.
Thin & Even Patties: Using a piece of foil and a second pan to press down creates super thin patties that cook evenly and give you that authentic double-stack burger experience every time.
Don’t Press While Cooking: Resist the urge to press the patties with your spatula. It’s tempting, but it squeezes out precious juices that keep your burger flavorful and moist.
Timing is Key: Cooking each patty just 2 minutes per side for the thin double stacks ensures the cheese melts perfectly without overcooking the beef.

How to Serve Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers 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

Freshness is everything when garnishing these rich double cheeseburgers. Crisp lettuce leaves add a refreshing crunch, while tangy slices of tomato and rings of red onion provide brightness and balance. Don't forget to slather the bottom bun with that easy homemade burger sauce—it’s the secret layer that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers with classic sides like crispy oven-baked french fries or golden sweet potato wedges. For a lighter touch, a simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, creamy coleslaw or homemade onion rings are crowd-pleasers that complete the comfort food vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store any cooled, cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separately wrapped to avoid sogginess. You can also stash that delicious homemade burger sauce in a small jar—it'll stay fresh for about a week in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to save burgers for later, freeze the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. The sauce doesn’t freeze as well, so fresh sauce is best for serving.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through—usually about 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, if possible, to keep that juicy texture intact. Toast your buns for a minute or two, then assemble with fresh toppings and sauce for the best revival of that fresh-made goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of American cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully for these burgers, feel free to swap in cheddar, pepper jack, or any melty cheese you prefer to customize the flavor.

Why do I press the burger patties with foil and another pan?

Pressing patties thin and evenly with foil and a second pan helps create the signature thin, juicy layers of a double-stack burger, ensuring they cook evenly and get that great sear.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the burger sauce and formed beef balls ahead of time, but for best texture, cook the patties just before serving. Cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

What if I want a single, thicker patty instead of double stacks?

No problem! Divide the beef into four 5-ounce patties and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked. Adjust the cheese quantity as desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting about biting into a juicy, melty double cheeseburger made right on your stovetop. This Tender Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe brings together simple ingredients with a little technique that makes all the difference. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a weekend treat, these burgers never fail to satisfy. I hope you enjoy preparing and sharing them as much as I do—happy cooking and happy eating!