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Steak And Shake Garlic Double Steakburger

Steak And Shake Garlic Double Steakburger - recipe card

A juicy, garlic-packed double cheeseburger inspired by the classic Steak ‘n Shake original. Two thin, crispy-edged beef patties are stacked with melted American cheese and a bold garlic butter sauce on a soft, toasted bun for a rich and savory experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb 80/20 ground beef (20% fat preferred for juiciness)
  • 8 slices American cheese (each 0.7 oz / 20 g)
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, split
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic (about 1 tbsp minced)
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt)
  • Softened butter for buns (about 2 tbsp)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of softened butter with 3 finely minced garlic cloves. Stir until smooth. This garlic butter will be brushed on the patties after cooking for intense garlic flavor.
  2. Light a gas or charcoal grill, or preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, wait until a drop of water sizzles instantly when flicked onto the surface. The pan must be hot to create a sear.
  3. While the pan heats, form the beef into 8 equal balls, each about 4 oz (113 g). Do not overwork the meat; gently shape into loose rounds. Press each ball into a very thin patty, about 3-4 inches wide and 1/4-inch thick, slightly larger than the bun, since they shrink during cooking.
  4. Season patties generously on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt per patty total – this is critical for flavor.
  5. Place 4 patties in the hot skillet (or on the grill) and cook without moving for 2 minutes to develop a deep brown crust. Flip with a thin metal spatula, scraping up the crust. If using a skillet, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Immediately after flipping, place 1 slice of American cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or a sheet of aluminum foil to trap steam and melt the cheese quickly, about 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining 4 patties.
  7. While the second batch cooks, spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast the buns on the skillet or grill, cut-side down, until golden brown, about 1 minute.
  8. Assemble each double cheeseburger: place one cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun. Brush the top of that patty with about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic butter. Add the second cheese-topped patty on top, then brush its top with another 1/2 teaspoon of garlic butter. Close with the top bun.
  9. Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the patties are hot. These burgers are best fresh; do not hold under a heat lamp as the patties will dry out.
  10. For a side: serve with crisp pickle spears, thinly sliced raw onion, and ketchup. No additional condiments are needed – the garlic butter and cheese carry the flavor.

Notes

Store leftover cooked patties (without buns) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place patties on a baking sheet at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes until hot. Reheat buns separately. Freeze uncooked, formed patties between parchment rounds for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Do not microwave the assembled burger – it will make the bun soggy.

Nutrition

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