Brooklyn Diner-Style Classic Cheeseburger with Garlic Fries

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

Juicy, seasoned beef burger topped with melted American cheese, served on a toasted bun alongside crispy garlic fries inspired by a Brooklyn diner favorite. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground beef (80/20), salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 780 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 slices American cheese slices
• 4 burger buns
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut 4 medium russet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries, rinse in cold water, then dry thoroughly with a towel.
2. Step 2: Toss the fries with 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Toss with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley when done.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, divide 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal patties about 3/4-inch thick. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
4. Step 4: Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until browned, then flip and place 4 slices American cheese on top. Cook another 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and internal temp reaches 160°F.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, toast 4 burger buns with 2 tbsp butter in a separate pan until golden.
6. Step 6: Assemble burgers by spreading 1 tbsp mayonnaise and 1/2 tbsp ketchup on each bun, placing the cheesy patty on the bottom half, then topping with the bun crown. Serve immediately with garlic fries on the side.