Classic Animal-Style Cheeseburger

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, sugar, and white vinegar. Stir until well mixed and smooth. Refrigerate until needed, up to 5 days.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef

If using a meat grinder, chill the grinder’s feed shaft, blade, and 1/4-inch die in the freezer until well-chilled. Chill the cubed beef chuck on a rimmed baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes until firm, then grind the meat using the chilled grinder. If using a food processor, chill the bowl and blade in the freezer. Chill the cubed beef chuck similarly for 10 minutes, then pulse the meat in the food processor for 8-10 one-second pulses until ground. Refrigerate the ground beef immediately.

3. Caramelize the Onions

Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, combine the finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and 0.5 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of water to the onions and stir; repeat this process two more times until the water evaporates and the onions turn deep brown. Transfer the caramelized onions to a small bowl.

4. Toast the Buns

Toast the buns in the oven for about 2 minutes, then open them and place the cut sides down in a 12-inch skillet to toast for about 1 minute. Transfer the toasted buns to a plate or tray.

5. Assemble the Buns

Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Add four pickle slices, one tomato slice, and one leaf of lettuce to each bottom bun.

6. Form the Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal balls. Press each ball into a patty about 3/16-inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. Season both sides of the patties with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Cook the Patties

Heat 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 2.5 minutes on one side. Spread 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard on the uncooked side of each patty, then flip them. Cook for an additional minute, then place a slice of American cheese and a spoonful of caramelized onions on each patty. Allow the cheese to melt and bind the onions to the patties, creating a rich, flavorful topping.

8. Assemble the Burgers

Stack two patties on each prepared bottom bun, then close the sandwiches with the top buns. Serve these delicious Animal-Style cheeseburgers immediately and enjoy every flavorful bite.