Name: Stovetop Double-Stack 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; 4 slices tomato; Slices of red onion

If you’re craving a juicy, melty burger that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, you’re going to love this Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe. It’s all about those thin, perfectly pressed patties, stacked with cheese, and topped with a tangy homemade sauce.

A two-layer cheeseburger sits on a white plate with a fresh side salad. The bottom layer shows a soft, light tan bun base with a spread of creamy sauce and green lettuce leaves on top. Above that are two thick, juicy browned beef patties, each melted with yellow cheese that drapes over their edges. On top of the patties rest bright red tomato slices followed by thin, layered purple onion rings. The burger is capped by a fluffy, slightly cracked light tan top bun. To the side, a mix of green lettuce leaves, sliced cucumber, and tomato pieces add color contrast. All is set on a white marbled surface. 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-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of these burgers. They’re simple but packed with flavor, and cooking them on the stovetop makes the whole process smooth and fast. Plus, that homemade burger sauce? Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Fast and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, these burgers are perfect for busy nights.
Double the Deliciousness: Thin patties mean you get double the beefy goodness in every bite.
Customizable Sauce: The easy burger sauce can be tweaked to match your tangy or sweet preferences.
Juicy & Crispy: Pressing the patties thin on the stove creates those irresistible crispy edges.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, quality really makes a difference. I always stick to 90/10 ground beef for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor. And don’t skip the fresh toppings—they brighten and balance the richness beautifully.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of green pickle relish, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden extra virgin olive oil, two whole uncracked brown eggs, fresh green lettuce leaves, vibrant red tomato slices, thinly sliced purple-red onion rings, four plain soft hamburger buns arranged neatly, a few slices of smooth American cheese stacked, all 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: The creamy base for the burger sauce, adding richness and moisture.
Ketchup: Brings a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the mayo.
Pickle Relish: Adds a zingy, slightly tangy crunch that makes the sauce stand out.
Ground Beef (90/10): Perfect fat ratio for tender, juicy patties without too much grease.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the beef’s rich flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right pop of spice to the patties.
Garlic Powder (optional): A subtle layer of depth—great if you like a little extra savory touch.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps get a nice sear on the patties and prevents sticking.
American Cheese: Melts beautifully into all those crevices for creamy cheesiness.
Hamburger Buns: Toasted lightly for a bit of crunch and structural support for the juicy patties.
Fresh Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it adds a cool crunch to every bite.
Tomato Slices: Juicy and slightly sweet, the perfect balance to the savory burger.
Red Onion Slices: Provide a sharp bite and color contrast that round out the flavors.

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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 parts about this Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your cravings. Whether you want to add a spicy kick or swap in some seasonal produce, these burgers are the perfect blank canvas.

Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a few dashes of smoked paprika to the burger sauce. It adds a subtle depth that pairs wonderfully with the gooey American cheese.
Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef for black bean patties and use vegan cheese and mayo to make it plant-based but still satisfying.
Seasonal flair: In warmer months, top your burger with fresh grilled pineapple or avocado slices for an exciting contrast of flavors and textures.
Heat lovers: Mix some finely chopped jalapeños into the burger sauce or even directly into the beef before cooking for a lively bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe

A close-up view of a double cheeseburger held by a woman's hand, with two thick grilled beef patties stacked inside a soft, light brown bun. Each patty is topped with melted yellow cheese dripping slightly down the sides. Crisp green lettuce peeks from the bottom bun, and a slice of red tomato with thinly sliced red onion rests just under the top bun. The burger is held over a white plate, with a blurry green salad with some red tomatoes in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up Your Easy Burger Sauce

Start by combining ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon pickle relish in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until smooth and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust the ketchup or relish to make it just right for your palate—it’s your sauce, after all! This simple sauce is what sets the flavor tone for these burgers, offering a creamy tang with just the right hint of sweetness.

Step 2: Form and Season Your Patties

Divide 20 to 24 ounces of 90/10 ground beef into eight 3-ounce loose balls for those delicious double-stacked patties. Be gentle here to keep the beef tender and loose. Season each ball evenly on the outside with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and if you like, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. This careful seasoning ensures each bite is flavorful but not overworked.

Step 3: Get Your Skillet Ready

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. You want the pan hot enough that the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke. This will give your patties a nice sear on the outside while keeping them juicy inside.

Step 4: Press Those Patties Thin and Even

Place each beef ball in the hot skillet one at a time. Cover with a piece of foil, then press down evenly with another small pan or skillet. We're aiming for super thin, even patties for double-stack cheeseburgers. This pressing method helps develop those crispy, caramelized edges that are so crave-worthy.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Cook these thin patties for about 2 minutes on one side. Then carefully flip them over, top each patty with a slice of American cheese (use 4 to 8 slices depending on how cheesy you want it), and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Watch that cheese melt into gooey perfection while the patties finish cooking through. Remember, press lightly if needed to reshape, but keep it gentle to lock in those juices.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dream Burger

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of your homemade burger sauce on the bottom halves of your toasted hamburger buns. Layer up with crisp fresh lettuce leaves, the melty cheeseburger patties (stacked double for extra delight!), thick slices of ripe tomato, and vibrant red onion rings. Cap it with the top buns and serve immediately to enjoy all that juicy, cheesy goodness at its best.

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe comes down to a few simple but game-changing techniques that bring out the best flavors and textures every time.

Patty Pressing: Using a piece of foil and a second small pan to press the patties thin ensures quick cooking and those irresistible crispy edges that make these burgers extra satisfying.
Season Outside Only: Season the loose beef balls gently on the outside—this keeps the inside tender and juicy without overworking the meat, something I learned after many tough burgers!
Bun Toasting: While your patties cook, lightly toast the buns in the same skillet. It adds extra texture and flavor that perfectly complements the melted American cheese.
Watch the Pressing: Avoid pressing down on the patties too hard during cooking; it squeezes out precious juices. A gentle touch keeps the burgers juicy and full of flavor.

How to Serve Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a thick creamy sauce that is pale beige in color with small bits mixed throughout, showing a slightly lumpy texture. There is a metal spoon resting in the bowl on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that has faint grey veining. The overall look is simple and natural. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your double-stack cheeseburgers with crisp fresh lettuce leaves, juicy slices of tomato, and rings of sharp red onion. For an extra punch, add dill pickle slices or a few pepperoncini for a little zing. Don’t forget to spread that homemade easy burger sauce on the bun—it’s what brings everything together!

Side Dishes

These cheeseburgers are fantastic alongside classic sides like crispy French fries, onion rings, or a crunchy coleslaw. For a lighter contrast, try a fresh cucumber salad or roasted sweet potato wedges. And yes, a cold soda or a frosty beer pairs beautifully here too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover burgers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, it’s best to store patties and buns separately.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked patties by placing them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best texture, avoid freezing assembled burgers with fresh toppings and buns.

Reheating

Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through—this will help maintain the burger’s juiciness and recreate a bit of that crispy edge. You can pop buns in the toaster or the skillet just until lightly toasted again. Add fresh toppings and burger sauce after reheating for best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of American cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and offers that classic flavor, you can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack depending on your taste preferences.

Is it necessary to press the patties thin?

For double-stack cheeseburgers, pressing the patties thin ensures they cook quickly and get those crispy edges which add great texture. For thicker single patties, you can skip pressing them quite as thin.

Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The easy burger sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. In fact, letting it sit a bit helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

What’s the best ground beef to use for these burgers?

Using 90/10 ground beef strikes a perfect balance between juicy and not too fatty, which is ideal for cooking quick, thin patties on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about making these Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers at home—the melty cheese, flavorful easy burger sauce, and perfectly crisp edges of those pressed patties just can’t be beat. I hope this recipe becomes your go-to whenever you crave a juicy, comforting burger that comes together quickly and makes everyone smile at the dinner table. Happy cooking!