If you love butter burgers—or, at least, stops at Culver's—as much as Wisconsinites do, our recipe for homemade butter burgers is worth a shot. Serve them with french fries and frozen custard, and you've got a full midwestern meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• 4 slices cheddar cheese, optional
• optional toppings: tomato slices, lettuce leaves, sliced onion, dill pickle slices, ketchup and mustard

Directions

1. Shape beef into four patties, each 1/2-in. thick. Sprinkle ground patties with salt and pepper.
2. Working in batches if needed, heat butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. With a heavy metal spatula or burger press, flatten each patty to 1/4-in. thickness. Cook until edges start to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes; flip burgers. Cook until well browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°, about 1 minute longer. If desired, top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Remove from pan; keep warm. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same pan, repeat with remaining beef patties.
3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan; add bun. Toast until golden brown.
4. Transfer burgers to toasted buns and serve with desired toppings.