Five Guys-Style Cheeseburger

This recipe swaps processed dairy and industrial oils for grass-fed beef and real aged cheese, offering a more wholesome take on the classic.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb organic grass-fed ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 4 slices aged sharp cheddar cheese (organic)
  • 4 artisan sourdough buns or organic brioche rolls
  • 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded leaf lettuce
  • 1/2 cup fermented pickles (no additives)

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Divide the beef into four 4-oz balls, handling them as little as possible — do not pack them tight.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
  3. Place the beef balls in the skillet and immediately press each firmly flat with a sturdy spatula into a thin patty — the Five Guys smash style that builds a browned, craggy crust. Season generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
  4. Cook 2–3 minutes until deeply browned, flip, top each patty with a slice of aged sharp cheddar, and cook another 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
  5. Slice the buns, lightly brush with avocado oil, and toast them in the skillet for 30 seconds.
  6. Assemble by layering lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the bottom bun, then adding the cheesy patty.
  7. Top with the second bun and serve immediately.

FAQ

Why use avocado oil instead of other oils?

Avocado oil is minimally processed and rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, unlike seed oils which are highly refined and often unhealthy.

Are the pickles really free of additives?

Yes, the recipe specifies fermented pickles with no additives, ensuring a natural, probiotic-rich option.

Can I substitute the buns with something else?

Yes, use whole-grain or gluten-free buns if preferred, but artisan sourdough is ideal for its natural fermentation process.

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