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; Sliced tomato; Sliced red onion

If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful burger that’s quick to make right at home, you’re in for a treat with this Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe. These burgers bring that perfect balance of melty cheese and a zesty homemade sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds every time.

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

Honestly, I can’t get enough of these stovetop double-stack cheeseburgers. They’re a game changer for busy weeknights or any day you want that perfectly cooked, saucy burger without firing up the grill.

Juicy, tender patties: Pressed thin and seared just right for maximum flavor and moisture.
Easy, tangy burger sauce: A simple blend that elevates every single bite.
Quick stovetop method: No grilling required—perfect for any season or apartment cooking.
Fully customizable stacks: Double up those cheesy layers or go single; either way, it’s delicious.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into cooking, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need. I always recommend fresh veggies and a good grind of beef — those simple choices take the flavor up a notch.

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 a creamy, rich base for the burger sauce that makes every bite extra luscious.
Ketchup: Adds just enough sweetness and tang to balance the mayo in the sauce.
Pickle relish: Brings a subtle crunch and a touch of tang to keep the sauce interesting.
Ground beef (90/10): Ideal fat content for juicy patties that hold together without excess grease.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning that really brings out the beef’s natural flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy notes to the patties.
Garlic powder (optional): Just a hint to add depth without overpowering.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for searing to get that perfect crust on your patties.
American cheese slices: Melts beautifully for that iconic cheeseburger gooeyness.
Hamburger buns: Soft but sturdy enough to hold your stacked masterpiece together.
Fresh lettuce leaves: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to cut through the richness.
Sliced tomato: Juicy and sweet, it brightens each bite.
Sliced red onion: Offers a sharp, slightly sweet contrast.

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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

The joy of the Stovetop Double-Stack Cheeseburgers Recipe is in how adaptable it is. Whether you're craving classic comfort or want to switch things up, you can easily customize these burgers to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Variation: I love adding crispy bacon strips between the double stacks for an irresistible smoky crunch. It’s my go-to when I want to elevate the savoriness without much fuss.
Vegetarian Swap: For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based burger patties seasoned just like the beef ones and topped with your favorite melting cheese. The same stovetop pressing technique works great to get a nice crust and juicy texture.
Seasonal Flair: In summer, I add grilled pineapple slices on top for a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the tangy burger sauce. It’s like a mini island vacation in every bite!
Cheese Alternatives: While American cheese melts perfectly here, feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella to match your mood or the rest of your meal.

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 That Easy Burger Sauce

Start by mixing together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon pickle relish in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. I like to taste as I go and sometimes add a little more ketchup for extra tang or relish for a bit of crunch. This sauce brings a creamy, tangy boost that ties the whole burger together beautifully.

Step 2: Shape and Season Your Beef Balls

Divide your 20 to 24 ounces of ground beef into eight 3-ounce balls for those perfect double stacks. Be gentle handling the beef to keep the texture light and loose—this helps your patties stay juicy and tender. Sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of garlic powder evenly over each beef ball. This simple seasoning really lets the quality of the meat shine through.

Step 3: Press Patties Thin and Even in a Hot Skillet

Heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your beef balls one at a time. Cover each one with a square of foil and gently press down using a second small pan or skillet to flatten into thin, even patties. For double stacks, aim for very thin patties—this helps them cook quickly and stack up nicely without being overwhelming. Keep an eye on the heat so you get a beautiful sear without burning.

Step 4: Cook Patties and Melt That Cheese

Cook these thin patties for about 2 minutes on the first side. When you flip them, top each patty with a slice or two of American cheese. Let the cheese melt while cooking the other side for 2 to 3 minutes until the patties are cooked through. Bear in mind the patties will shrink slightly as they cook—feel free to lightly press with your spatula to reshape, but avoid pressing too much or you’ll push out all those delicious juices.

Step 5: Assemble the Double-Stack Burger

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of your homemade burger sauce on the bottom half of your hamburger bun. Layer on fresh lettuce leaves first, then add one or two cheesy patties depending on how tall and hearty you want your burger. Top with slices of ripe tomato and crisp red onion before crowning with the top bun. Serve immediately to enjoy that melty cheese and juicy beef at their best.

Top Tip

These stovetop double-stack cheeseburgers are all about maximizing juiciness and flavor while keeping things quick and easy. Here are my favorite tips to get the best results every time.

Gentle Handling: I like to keep the ground beef in loose balls before pressing them. This helps the patties cook up tender and juicy without becoming dense or tough.
Perfect Patty Thickness: For double-stack burgers, I press the patties very thin because they cook faster and melt the cheese perfectly. Thicker single patties are good too, but require a couple extra minutes in the pan.
Press with Foil: Using a piece of foil to cover the beef ball when pressing keeps things clean and helps create an even patty shape without sticking or breaking.
Don’t Over-Press While Cooking: Patience is key! I gently reshape patties with my spatula as they shrink but avoid pushing down hard—I want those precious juices to stay put.

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

Freshness makes a big difference here! Besides crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crisp red onion rings, I sometimes add crunchy pickles or even a few crispy bacon strips to amp up the texture and flavor. A little extra burger sauce on the top bun never hurts either.

Side Dishes

Classic sides are always a hit with these burgers. Think crispy French fries, crunchy coleslaw, or even a light side salad to balance the richness. Oven-baked sweet potato fries or a simple pickle spear also complement the juicy, cheesy patties beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which can be a challenge!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The patties and buns keep best when stored separately to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked burger patties by laying them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze buns and patties separately.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, to warm through without drying out—about 3 to 5 minutes. If using a microwave, cover the burger to keep moisture, heating in short bursts. Toast buns lightly before assembling for that fresh-baked vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic flavor, feel free to substitute with cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese. Just keep in mind melting time may vary slightly.

How do I prevent my patties from drying out?

To keep patties juicy, avoid pressing down too firmly while cooking. Also, handle the meat gently when forming patties and don’t overcook—using ground beef with about 10% fat helps retain moisture.

Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The easy burger sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This actually helps the flavors meld together nicely.

Is it necessary to use foil when pressing the patties?

Using foil makes pressing the patties cleaner and easier, preventing sticking and helping create an even shape. But if you prefer, you can use parchment paper or press directly with a spatula, just be mindful of sticking.

Final Thoughts

Making these stovetop double-stack cheeseburgers is such a rewarding experience—the sizzle, the melty cheese, that special tang from the easy burger sauce all come together so beautifully without needing a grill. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an impromptu burger night, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly satisfying. Grab your skillet and give it a try—you might just make this your go-to burger recipe!