You can’t beat an American classic. The All American Cheese Burger is perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends. This recipe highlights juicy ground beef, melted American cheese, and fresh toppings like heirloom tomatoes and red onions. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that brings comfort to any occasion.

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 Vegetables
- Step 3: Shape the Patties
- Step 4: Grill the Burgers
- Step 5: Add Cheese
- Step 6: Toast the Rolls
- Step 7: Assemble Your Burger
- How to Serve All American Cheese Burger
- Classic Toppings
- Unique Add-ons
- Cheese Variations
- Side Pairings
- How to Perfect All American Cheese Burger
- Best Side Dishes for All American Cheese Burger
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing All American Cheese Burger
- Reheating All American Cheese Burger
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an All American Cheese Burger?
- How do I make my All American Cheese Burger juicier?
- Can I customize my All American Cheese Burger toppings?
- How do I know when my burger is cooked perfectly?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this meal ready in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh heirloom tomatoes and high-quality beef deliver unbeatable taste.
- Customizable Toppings: Personalize your burger with favorite condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner, this burger fits right in.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love sinking their teeth into this classic burger.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect grill marks on your patties.
- Spatula: Helps you flip burgers easily without losing juices or breaking them apart.
- Mixing bowl: Great for combining ingredients before shaping your patties.
Ingredients
You can’t beat an American classic. Here’s our version topped with ripe heirloom tomatoes, red onions, and American cheese.
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 them to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
Slice the heirloom tomatoes and red onion. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside. Brush the cut side of each torta roll with olive oil.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
In a mixing bowl, shape the ground beef into 6 oval patties without overworking the meat. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Grill the Burgers
Place the patties on the hot grill. Cook until they can be turned without sticking:
1. For rare burgers, grill for about 4 minutes on each side.
2. For medium-rare burgers, cook for about 5 minutes on each side.
3. For medium burgers, grill for about 6 minutes on each side.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Just before the burgers finish cooking, top each patty with a slice of American cheese and close the grill lid to let it melt.
Step 6: Toast the Rolls
While the burgers are grilling, place the torta rolls cut side down on the grill for about 2 minutes to toast lightly.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burger
On the bottom half of each toasted roll, layer lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Place grilled patties on top along with onion slices. Finish by placing the tops of the rolls on each burger. Serve immediately for a delightful meal!
How to Serve All American Cheese Burger
Serving an All American Cheese Burger is all about enhancing the classic flavors while keeping it simple. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your burger experience.
Classic Toppings
- Ketchup and Mustard: The timeless duo that adds tangy sweetness and a little spice.
- Pickles: Sliced dill pickles add a crunchy texture and briny flavor.
- Lettuce and Tomato: Fresh lettuce leaves and juicy tomato slices provide a refreshing crunch.
Unique Add-ons
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado brings richness, perfect for those looking for a twist.
- Bacon Crumbles: Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Grilled Onions: Sweet and caramelized, grilled onions enhance the burger’s taste profile.
Cheese Variations
- Pepper Jack Cheese: For a spicy kick, try swapping American cheese with pepper jack.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Bold blue cheese offers a robust contrast to the juicy burger.
Side Pairings
- Fries or Onion Rings: Classic sides that are always a hit with burgers.

How to Perfect All American Cheese Burger
To make your All American Cheese Burger truly unforgettable, consider these essential tips for perfection.
- Use Quality Beef: Choose ground beef with at least 80% lean meat for juiciness and flavor.
- Don’t Overwork the Patty: Form patties gently to keep them tender; overworking can lead to tough burgers.
- Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures beautiful sear marks and prevents sticking.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow burgers to rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juices.
Best Side Dishes for All American Cheese Burger
Pairing your All American Cheese Burger with the right side dishes elevates your meal. Here are some great options:
- French Fries: Crispy golden fries are a classic choice that never disappoints.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy salad provides a cool contrast to the warm burger.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a hearty side that complements any burger.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds a sweet touch that’s perfect for summer BBQs.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans bring richness and depth of flavor alongside your burger.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a healthier option, try sweet potato fries; they are both tasty and vibrant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect All American Cheese Burger takes practice, but avoiding a few common mistakes can help ensure your burgers are delicious every time.
- Overworking the meat: When shaping the patties, be careful not to overwork the ground beef. This can lead to tough burgers. Simply handle the meat gently to create a tender and juicy burger.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season your patties with salt and pepper before grilling. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your All American Cheese Burger.
- Not preheating the grill: Always preheat your grill before cooking. A hot grill allows for better searing, which helps lock in juices and flavor.
- Ignoring burger thickness: For even cooking, aim for uniform thickness in your patties. Thicker burgers may take longer to cook, resulting in uneven doneness.
- Adding cheese too early: Wait until the last minute to add cheese on top of the burgers. This ensures it melts perfectly without overcooking the meat.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover All American Cheese Burgers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing All American Cheese Burger
- Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating All American Cheese Burger
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place burgers on a baking tray and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping once until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an All American Cheese Burger?
An All American Cheese Burger is a classic sandwich made with a grilled beef patty topped with melted American cheese, served on a bun with various toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion.
How do I make my All American Cheese Burger juicier?
To achieve a juicier burger, use ground beef with at least 80% lean meat content and avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook.
Can I customize my All American Cheese Burger toppings?
Absolutely! You can add bacon, pickles, jalapeños, or any other toppings you love to make it your own.
How do I know when my burger is cooked perfectly?
Use a meat thermometer; an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicates it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
The All American Cheese Burger is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings based on personal preferences. Whether you enjoy it classic or with added flair, this recipe promises satisfaction every time. Give it a try at your next barbecue!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintAll American Cheese Burger
The All American Cheese Burger is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. This classic recipe features juicy ground beef patties topped with melted American cheese and fresh, vibrant toppings like heirloom tomatoes and red onions. With customizable ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, you can create the ultimate burger experience that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you stick to traditional flavors or experiment with unique toppings, this burger is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings friends and family together in delicious harmony.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 La Brea Bakery Take & Bake Torta Rolls
- 2 large ripe heirloom tomatoes
- 1 large red onion
- Ketchup, mayo, and mustard (to taste)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice tomatoes and onion, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
- Form ground beef into six oval patties; season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill patties for 4-6 minutes per side depending on desired doneness.
- Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Toast torta rolls on the grill for about 2 minutes.
- Assemble burgers by layering lettuce, tomato, onion, and grilled patties on the rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg