The Stacked Double Cheeseburger is a towering celebration of juicy beef, melty cheddar, and crisp lettuce all enclosed in a soft, buttery brioche bun. This quick and satisfying homemade burger is designed to rival any diner favorite, delivering bold flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of indulgent, cheesy burgers, this recipe hits all the right notes. Smashed beef patties offer crisp edges and juicy centers, cheddar adds creamy richness, and the toasted brioche buns hold everything together with a soft, buttery bite. It’s simple, fast, and guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense burger cravings — perfect for a weekend treat or casual dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- brioche buns
- ground beef (80/20)
- cheddar cheese slices
- shredded iceberg lettuce
- salt
- pepper
- butter (for toasting buns)
Directions
- Divide the ground beef into four loose balls, careful not to overwork the meat.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- Place two beef balls on the hot skillet and smash them flat with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy, then flip. Immediately top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
- While the patties cook, butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a pan until golden and crisp.
- To assemble, layer shredded iceberg lettuce on the bottom bun, stack two cheesy patties on top, and finish with the top bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate cheesy bite.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 620 kcal per serving
Variations
- Bacon Double Cheeseburger: Add crispy bacon strips between the patties for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a smear of spicy mayo to turn up the heat.
- Caramelized Onions: Include sweet, caramelized onions for a savory-sweet contrast.
- Classic Sauce: Spread a mixture of ketchup, mustard, and mayo on the buns for that signature fast-food flavor.
- Patty Melt Style: Swap the brioche for toasted rye bread and add grilled onions for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
This burger is best served immediately. However, if needed, store assembled burgers (wrapped tightly in foil) in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
To reheat, place the wrapped burger in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. For individual patties, reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm.
FAQs
What is the benefit of smashing the patties?
Smashing creates more surface area for browning, resulting in crispy edges and intense flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, American, Swiss, pepper jack, or any melty cheese works well with this burger.
Should I use lean ground beef?
An 80/20 blend (meat to fat ratio) is ideal for juicy, flavorful patties. Leaner beef may result in drier texture.
Can I grill the patties instead?
Smashed burgers are best cooked on a flat surface, but you can grill them if preferred — just flatten them before cooking.
How do I keep the burgers from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use beef with sufficient fat. Do not press down on the patties after flipping.
What’s the best way to toast brioche buns?
Spread butter on the cut sides and toast them in a hot skillet until golden for added flavor and texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
For best results, cook and assemble just before serving. You can prep the patties and toppings in advance.
What sides go well with these burgers?
Serve with fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a crisp pickle on the side.
How do I get the cheese to melt perfectly?
Place the cheese on the patties right after flipping and cover the skillet with a lid briefly to help it melt faster.
Can I make this with plant-based ingredients?
Yes, substitute plant-based ground meat, dairy-free cheese, and vegan buns to create a fully plant-based version.
Conclusion
The Stacked Double Cheeseburger is a deliciously simple yet indulgent meal that satisfies all your burger cravings. With juicy smashed patties, double layers of cheddar, and crisp lettuce nestled in buttery brioche, this homemade classic is hard to beat. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect dish for any burger enthusiast.
PrintStacked Double Cheeseburger
Juicy smashed beef patties, double cheddar layers, and crisp lettuce all packed in a soft toasted bun — the ultimate cheesy bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 brioche buns
- 2/3 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Salt & pepper
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls without overworking the meat.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over high heat.
- Place the beef balls on the hot surface and smash them flat using a spatula or burger press.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy.
- Flip patties, place a slice of cheddar on each, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Meanwhile, butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble each burger: bottom bun, shredded lettuce, two cheesy patties, and top bun.
- Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- Use freshly ground beef for juicier patties and better flavor.
- Smashing the patties thin helps create a crispy crust.
- Customize with pickles, onions, or sauces as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg