You can’t beat an All American Cheese Burger. This classic dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, casual get-togethers, or a quick weeknight dinner. With juicy beef patties topped with melted American cheese and fresh veggies, this burger brings comfort and flavor to any occasion. The combination of heirloom tomatoes and red onions adds a unique twist, making it a standout choice for cheeseburger lovers everywhere.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Burger
- How to Make All American Cheese Burger
- Step 1: Preheat the Grill
- Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Step 3: Shape the Patties
- Step 4: Grill the Patties
- Step 5: Add Cheese
- Step 6: Toast the Rolls
- Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers
- How to Serve All American Cheese Burger
- Fresh Vegetable Toppings
- Condiments
- Unique Additions
- How to Perfect All American Cheese Burger
- Best Side Dishes for All American Cheese Burger
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing All American Cheese Burger
- Reheating All American Cheese Burger
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my All American Cheese Burger juicy?
- What toppings go well with an All American Cheese Burger?
- Can I make an All American Cheese Burger ahead of time?
- What sides pair well with an All American Cheese Burger?
- How do I customize my All American Cheese Burger?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh heirloom tomatoes and American cheese elevate the taste of your burgers.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these burgers as a meal or at gatherings; they fit any occasion seamlessly.
- Grill-Friendly: Ideal for summer barbecues, you can easily cook multiple burgers on the grill at once.
- Customizable Toppings: Personalize your burger with your favorite condiments and toppings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect char on the patties.
- Mixing bowl: Great for seasoning your ground beef without mess.
- Spatula: A must-have for flipping burgers easily while preventing them from breaking apart.
Ingredients
For the Burger
- 6 La Brea Bakery Take & Bake Torta Rolls
- 2 large ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch-thick slices
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/8-inch-thick slices
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 lettuce leaves
- Ketchup, to taste
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- Mustard, to taste
How to Make All American Cheese Burger
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Lightly oil your grill grates and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Salt and pepper both the tomato slices and onions. Set them aside. Brush the cut side of each torta roll with olive oil.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
In a mixing bowl, gently shape the ground beef into six oval patties, being careful not to overwork the meat. Season each patty generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Grill the Patties
Place your patties on the hot grill. Grill until they can be easily flipped without sticking—about:
1. 4 minutes per side for rare,
2. 5 minutes per side for medium-rare,
3. 6 minutes per side for medium.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Just before removing burgers from the grill, top each patty with a slice of American cheese. Allow it to melt while you toast the rolls.
Step 6: Toast the Rolls
Place the torta rolls cut-side down on the grill for about two minutes or until lightly toasted.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers
On each bottom half of a toasted roll, layer lettuce leaves followed by tomato slices. Add each cheesy patty on top along with sliced onions. Finish by placing the top half of the roll over everything.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious All American Cheese Burger!
How to Serve All American Cheese Burger
Serving the All American Cheese Burger is an art that elevates this classic dish. Pairing it with the right sides and toppings can create a memorable meal.
Fresh Vegetable Toppings
- Lettuce – Crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
- Tomatoes – Juicy heirloom tomatoes enhance flavor and color.
- Onions – Sliced red onions provide a zesty bite.
Condiments
- Ketchup – A traditional favorite that adds sweetness.
- Mustard – Adds tanginess to balance the richness of the burger.
- Mayonnaise – Creamy mayo can enhance the overall texture.
Unique Additions
- Avocado slices – Creamy avocado pairs well with beefy flavors.
- Pickles – Sour pickles add an extra crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Perfect All American Cheese Burger
Perfecting your All American Cheese Burger involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to make your burgers irresistible.
- Use high-quality beef – Opt for ground chuck with enough fat for juiciness.
- Don’t overwork the meat – Form patties gently to keep them tender.
- Season properly – Generously season with salt and pepper just before grilling.
- Monitor cooking times – Use a meat thermometer for desired doneness.
- Let burgers rest – Allowing burgers to rest prevents juices from spilling out when cut.
Best Side Dishes for All American Cheese Burger
Pairing side dishes with your All American Cheese Burger enhances the dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- French Fries – Classic crispy fries are always a hit, perfect for dipping.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances flavors beautifully.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad complements the burger without overshadowing it.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and a fun texture.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans add depth to your meal.
- Onion Rings – Crispy onion rings offer an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect All American Cheese Burger can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a delicious result.
- Overworking the meat: When forming your patties, handle the ground beef gently. Overworking it can lead to tough burgers.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your patties and vegetables will result in bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before grilling.
- Not preheating the grill: Cooking on a cold grill can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Preheat your grill for best results.
- Choosing the wrong cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Use American cheese for that classic gooey texture that complements the burger perfectly.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into burgers right off the grill can let juices escape. Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing All American Cheese Burger
- Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- Will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating All American Cheese Burger
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place burgers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and reheat burgers for about 5 minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making an All American Cheese Burger.
How do I make my All American Cheese Burger juicy?
To ensure your burger is juicy, use higher-fat ground beef (80/20 is ideal) and avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking.
What toppings go well with an All American Cheese Burger?
Classic toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings!
Can I make an All American Cheese Burger ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook.
What sides pair well with an All American Cheese Burger?
Fries, coleslaw, or potato salad make excellent sides for your burger meal.
How do I customize my All American Cheese Burger?
You can customize it by adding different cheeses, unique toppings like avocado or bacon, or trying different condiments such as barbecue sauce.
Final Thoughts
The All American Cheese Burger is not only an iconic dish but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ, this burger is sure to impress everyone at the table!
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All American Cheese Burger
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this All American Cheese Burger recipe, perfect for summer barbecues, casual gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners. Juicy beef patties are topped with melted American cheese and fresh heirloom tomatoes, bringing a burst of flavor to every bite. This classic dish is easily customizable, allowing you to create your ideal burger masterpiece by adding your favorite toppings and condiments. With a straightforward preparation process and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time. Get ready to impress family and friends with this delicious homemade cheeseburger that embodies the spirit of backyard grilling!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 La Brea Bakery Take & Bake Torta Rolls
- 2 large heirloom tomatoes
- 1 large red onion
- Lettuce leaves
- Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard (to taste)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grates.
- Season tomato and onion slices with salt and pepper; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, gently form ground beef into six patties and season generously.
- Grill patties for about 4-6 minutes per side based on desired doneness.
- Add cheese to patties just before they're done; toast torta rolls on the grill for 2 minutes.
- Assemble burgers: layer lettuce, tomato, cheesy patty, onion on the bottom half of each roll; cap with the top half.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg