Description
A delicious and fresh California Burger featuring grilled beef patties topped with melted provolone cheese, creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, and a tangy mayonnaise-mustard sauce, all sandwiched in toasted hamburger buns. Perfectly balanced flavors and textures come together in this easy 20-minute recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for grilling
For the Toppings
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 leaves of romaine lettuce
- Optional: pickled jalapeños or red onion slices for extra flavor
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Other
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little olive oil to prevent the patties from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Form and Season Patties: Shape the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Grill the Patties: Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. In the last minute of grilling, add a slice of provolone cheese to each patty to let it melt perfectly.
- Prepare Toppings: While the burgers are grilling, slice the avocado, tomato, and any additional toppings like pickled jalapeños or red onions to have them ready for assembly.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning if needed, creating a tangy and creamy sauce for the burgers.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or use a toaster until golden and slightly crisp, adding texture to the burger.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the mayo-mustard sauce on the bottom buns, then layer with romaine lettuce, the cheesy grilled beef patties, sliced avocado, and tomato. Add optional pickled jalapeños or onions as desired, then top with the other bun halves.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the California burgers immediately to enjoy the fresh ingredients and perfectly melted cheese at their best.
Notes
- Use ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juicier burgers, or leaner if preferred for a lighter option.
- Feel free to substitute provolone with Swiss cheese for a similar creamy melt.
- Adding pickled jalapeños or red onions gives the burger an extra kick of flavor and contrast.
- The mayo-mustard sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- Ensure not to overcook the patties to maintain juiciness, aiming for medium to medium-well doneness.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the hamburger buns with gluten-free buns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
