Name: 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 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; Slices of tomato; Slices of red onion

If you’re craving a juicy, classic American burger but want to skip the grill, this Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s quick, simple, and delivers mouthwatering stacked patties loaded with melty cheese right from your stovetop in just 25 minutes.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these double-stack cheeseburgers quickly became my go-to burger hack whenever I want something satisfying without firing up the grill. The pressed thin patties cook evenly and stack so perfectly with cheese and fresh toppings—it’s total comfort food magic.

Speedy & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknights.
Juicy Thin Patties: Pressed thin to get a beautiful sear and melty cheese coverage.
Homemade Burger Sauce: A tangy, simple sauce that really amps up the flavor.
Stovetop Convenience: No grill necessary—just your skillet and a little elbow grease.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, you’ll want to grab some key ingredients that really make these burgers shine. Using 90/10 ground beef is essential for juicy yet firm patties, and the homemade burger sauce brings a zingy balance every bite needs. Here’s what you’ll need and why I love each element.

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: Forms the creamy base of the burger sauce, giving richness and moisture.
Ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Pickle Relish: Brings a tangy crunch that brightens each bite.
Ground Beef (90/10): The perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties without too much grease.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the meat’s natural flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a slight bite and complexity to the patties.
Garlic Powder (optional): A subtle hint of savory aroma that complements beef beautifully.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps sear the patties nicely and prevents sticking.
American Cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot patties, creating that classic cheeseburger layer.
Hamburger Buns: Soft but sturdy, essential to hold all the flavors and juices together.
Fresh Lettuce Leaves: Provide crisp freshness and a little crunch in each bite.
Tomato Slices: Juicy and slightly sweet, balancing the savory meat and sauce.
Red Onion Slices: A sharp, slightly sweet contrast 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 the Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes. Whether you want to make it a little spicy, add seasonal toppings, or even accommodate dietary preferences, these burgers are a perfect blank canvas ready for your personal touch.

Spicy Kick: I like to add a few dashes of hot sauce to the burger sauce to give it a nice, smoky heat that complements the melty cheese perfectly.
Veggie Lovers: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground “beef” alternative for a vegetarian-friendly double cheeseburger that still hits all those satisfying notes.
Seasonal Freshness: Try swapping tomato slices for grilled pineapple or adding avocado for a creamy twist in warmer months—trust me, it’s amazing!
Single Patty Option: If you prefer a thicker, juicier burger over the thin patties, just form four 5- to 6-ounce patties instead of eight smaller ones and proceed with cooking as directed.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 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 That Tangy Burger Sauce

Start by mixing together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon pickle relish in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, then taste and tweak—maybe a touch more relish for tang, or ketchup if you want it sweeter. This easy sauce is what brings those burgers to life, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Form Your Burger Balls

Divide 20 to 24 ounces of 90/10 ground beef into eight loosely packed 3-ounce balls—remember to handle the meat gently to keep it nice and tender. Lightly sprinkle each ball with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and if you like, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder all around. This seasoning balances perfectly with the rich beef flavor.

Step 3: Press and Sear Those Patties

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then drizzle in 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Place each beef ball in the pan and cover with a piece of foil. Using a second small pan or skillet, firmly press each ball down through the foil until you achieve an ultra-thin, evenly shaped patty. Thin patties melt cheese beautifully and stack easily for that iconic double cheeseburger look.

Step 4: Cook to Juicy, Melty Perfection

Cook the patties without moving them for 2 minutes — listen for that satisfying sizzle and look for the edges to crisp. Flip each patty carefully, then immediately layer on one or two slices of American cheese. Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through. If the patties shrink or lose shape, gently press with a spatula — but keep it light to preserve those precious juices.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of your homemade burger sauce on the bottom halves of four toasted hamburger buns. Layer fresh lettuce leaves, then add one or two of your cheesy patties for that perfect double-stack. Top with slices of tomato and red onion, then crown your creation with the bun tops. Serve immediately while everything is warm and the cheese is irresistibly melty—then dig in!

Top Tip

Making perfect stovetop double cheeseburgers might seem tricky at first, but these tips help you get juicy patties and melty cheese every time—for a burger experience that’s simply irresistible.

Patty Pressing: Using a second skillet and a piece of foil to press down the beef balls creates those thin, even patties that cook quickly and stack beautifully.
Seasoning Timing: Season the outside of the beef balls just before cooking to keep the meat light and tender, avoiding overworking the beef.
Heat Control: Cooking on medium-high heat gives a golden sear without drying out the patties—remember, 2 minutes per side for thin doubles.
Cheese Melting: Add the cheese slices right after flipping the patties so they have time to melt perfectly without overcooking the meat.

How to Serve 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

Keep it classic with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a few rings of sharp red onion. For a little extra zing, you can add pickles or even a slice of crispy bacon. Don’t forget that tangy homemade burger sauce—it truly ties all those layers together.

Side Dishes

Complement your Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers with crispy oven fries, a fresh coleslaw, or even sweet potato chips. A simple green salad or baked beans also make lovely sides that keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover burger patties separately from buns and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe again without starting from scratch.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat the patties gently in a covered skillet over low heat to warm through without drying out. You can pop buns in the toaster or oven for a few minutes while reheating the patties, then assemble with fresh toppings and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for the burgers?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully, you can swap in cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack depending on your flavor preference.

Why do the patties need to be pressed thin?

Pressing them thin helps the patties cook evenly and quickly on the stovetop, plus it allows for that classic double-stack layering of juicy beef and melted cheese.

Is it necessary to use foil when pressing the patties?

Using foil prevents the pressing skillet from sticking to the meat and lets you reuse the same piece for all patties, making cleanup easier and the patties perfectly shaped.

How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

From prep to plating, the total time is about 25 minutes, including 10 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade cheeseburger done right, and this Stovetop Double Cheeseburgers Recipe brings classic flavors right to your kitchen with ease. With juicy, thin patties, melty cheese, and that perfect burger sauce, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again—because good burgers are always worth the time and love.