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 (enough for 4 buns); 4 slices tomato; Red onion (4 slices or to taste)

If you’re craving a burger that’s juicy, cheesy, and seriously satisfying in just 25 minutes, you’re going to love this Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe. It’s all about thin, perfectly pressed patties, melty American cheese, and an easy burger sauce that brings it all together.

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 still remember the first time I made these double-stack cheeseburgers on the stovetop — the melty cheese oozing between those thin patties was like a little slice of burger heaven right in my kitchen. They’re simple, fast, and so customizable.

Super quick to make: Ready in just 25 minutes from prep to plate, perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy, thin burgers: Pressed thin for maximum flavor and quick cooking, so every bite is packed with juiciness.
Special burger sauce: A creamy, tangy sauce that’s easy to whip up and elevates the flavor instantly.
Customizable toppings: Fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion make these burgers feel fresh and balanced.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients — this recipe relies on simple, quality components you probably have on hand or can grab easily. Picking the right beef and fresh veggies makes all the difference in these stovetop double-stack cheeseburgers.

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: Creates the creamy base for that easy burger sauce, adding richness without overpowering.
Ketchup: Brings a touch of sweetness and tang to balance the sauce perfectly.
Pickle relish: Adds a subtle crunch and zing, making the sauce pop with flavor.
Ground beef (90/10): A great balance of lean to fat for juicy patties that aren’t greasy.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing out those savory notes.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and depth to the patties.
Garlic powder (optional): Adds a mild savory note that complements the beef beautifully.
Extra virgin olive oil: For cooking—helps get a nice sear without sticking.
American cheese: Melts perfectly over the thin patties, creating that classic burger gooeyness.
Hamburger buns: Soft yet sturdy buns hold everything together without getting soggy quickly.
Fresh lettuce: Adds crispness and color to contrast the warm juicy burger.
Tomato slices: Provide juicy freshness that brightens each bite.
Red onion slices: Bring a sharp, slightly sweet crunch for balancing 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 parts about this Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you love bold spices, want to keep things classic, or need to adjust for dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Swap the cheese: While American cheese melts perfectly here, I've also tried sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a little extra kick—and honestly, both are fantastic!
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the beef really amps up the flavor without overpowering the juicy patties.
Make it thick and hearty: If you prefer a more substantial burger, shape 5- to 6-ounce patties instead of the thinner 3-ounce ones. Just cook them a bit longer to get that perfect melt on the cheese.
Go plant-based: For a vegetarian take, swap the beef for plant-based ground meat and use vegan cheese and mayo—still delicious and comforting!
Freshen up the toppings: Besides the classic lettuce, tomato, and onion, I've enjoyed adding pickles, mustard, or even crispy bacon for a different texture and flavor punch.

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 the Easy Burger Sauce

I start by mixing the burger sauce—just mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish stirred together until smooth and creamy. It’s quick to make and can be adjusted easily if you want it tangier or sweeter. Setting it aside while I prep everything else means it’s ready to spread on the buns just before assembly.

Step 2: Shape and Season the Patties

Next, I divide my ground beef into either eight smaller balls for the classic double-stack or four larger ones if I’m craving a thick single patty. Handling the meat gently keeps it tender. I season each ball evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a little garlic powder if I’m feeling fancy. This step sets the foundation for all that juicy, flavorful goodness.

Step 3: Heat and Oil the Skillet

I preheat a skillet over medium-high heat, then drizzle in two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Swirling the oil around ensures the pan is evenly coated, preventing any sticking while the patties cook to a golden, delicious crust.

Step 4: Press and Cook Those Patties

Here’s a trick: I place each beef ball into the hot skillet, cover it with a piece of foil, and press firmly using a second small pan right on top. This flattens the patties evenly—around ⅛ inch thick for double stacks or about ⅓ inch for singles. Cooking thin patties for 2 minutes on one side locks in the juices and crisp edges, while the thicker ones take 3 to 4 minutes. Then I flip, add one or two slices of American cheese, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything’s perfectly melted and cozy.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burger Masterpiece

The finale is simple but oh-so-satisfying. I spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of that luscious burger sauce on the bottom half of the bun, layer on fresh crisp lettuce, then my perfectly cooked cheeseburgers. Top it with a juicy tomato slice and a few rings of red onion before crowning it all with the bun top. Serve this right away, because nothing beats a burger this hot, juicy, and layered with flavor.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe, ensuring juicy patties and perfect melty cheese every time.

Pressing the Patties Evenly: Using a piece of foil and a second pan to press the patties helped me achieve that ideal thinness for the double stacks without breaking the meat apart.
Don’t Press After Flipping: I learned that pressing too hard once the patties are cooking squeezes out the juices, so gently reshape them if needed but keep it light.
Make the Burger Sauce Ahead: Preparing the easy burger sauce in advance lets the flavors meld and saves time when assembling your burgers.
Use Fresh Toppings: I avoid soggy burgers by adding crisp lettuce and fresh tomato slices just before serving—it really brightens up each bite.

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

Give your burgers a fresh crunch with leafy green lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion rings. Feel free to customize with pickles, a few dashes of mustard, or even some crispy bacon for added texture and flavor. A little extra dollop of the easy burger sauce on top seals the deal, making every bite irresistibly tasty.

Side Dishes

Classic sides make this meal a true crowd-pleaser: think crispy golden fries, crispy onion rings, or even a simple coleslaw to balance the richness of the double-stack patties. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp garden salad or grilled veggies. And don’t forget a cold drink to wash it all down!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked burger patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, preserving that juicy flavor so you can enjoy a quick reheat later.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap cooked patties tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Freeze the buns separately if you like to avoid sogginess.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through to maintain juiciness. You can melt cheese again on top by covering the pan for a minute or two. Toast the buns separately in a toaster or oven for that freshly-made feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully for that classic burger feel, feel free to try cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack to match your taste preference.

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

Using 90/10 ground beef provides a great balance of flavor and juiciness without too much grease, perfect for stovetop cooking and thin patties.

Can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out the hamburger buns for your favorite gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to keep the delicious flavors without gluten.

How do I avoid the burgers sticking to the skillet?

Preheat your skillet well and add the olive oil before adding patties. Using a non-stick pan or cast iron also helps create a nice sear without sticking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a homemade cheeseburger done right, and this Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe hits all the marks—quick, juicy, cheesy, and customizable. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, these burgers bring warmth and smiles to the table, and just thinking about them makes me excited to cook again. Give it a try and make this recipe your own—you won’t regret it!