Chargrilled Burger with Housemade Pickles and Garlic Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy hand-pressed beef burger grilled over high heat, topped with crunchy housemade pickles and creamy garlic aioli on a toasted bun. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 25 minutes blends ground chuck beef (80/20), kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground chuck beef with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Form into 4 equal 4-inch diameter patties, pressing a shallow indent in the center of each.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or cast iron skillet to high heat (about 450°F). Place patties on the hot surface and cook for 4 minutes without moving, until a dark crust forms. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes for medium doneness.
  3. Step 3: While burgers cook, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl to make garlic aioli.
  4. Step 4: Brush 4 split burger buns with 2 tbsp butter and toast on the grill or skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  5. Step 5: Assemble burgers by spreading garlic aioli on bottom bun, add 1/4 cup shredded lettuce, a cooked burger patty, 1/4 cup thinly sliced dill pickles, 2 slices tomato, 1 tbsp sliced red onion, and top with the bun crown.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chargrilled Burger with Housemade Pickles and Garlic Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chargrilled Burger with Housemade Pickles and Garlic Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chargrilled Burger with Housemade Pickles and Garlic Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chargrilled Burger with Housemade Pickles and Garlic Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chargrilled Burger with Housemade Pickles and Garlic Aioli?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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