Five Guys Burger Copycat
This Five Guys–style burger is all about the beef: juicy 80/20 patties, seasoned simply, cooked on a flat-top until deeply browned, and stacked with melty American cheese. It’s built the classic way with caramelized onions, pickles, tomato, crisp iceberg lettuce, and the signature combo of ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Wrapped in foil at the end just like the real thing, every bite is messy but seriously satisfying.
Servings double burgers or 4 single burgers
Ingredients
BURGER PATTIES & BUNS
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
- Salt and black pepper
- Neutral oil, for cooking
- American cheese slices
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing buns)
CARAMELIZED ONIONS
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- Neutral oil
- Salt
TOPPINGS
- Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- Tomato slices
- Salt and pepper
- Pickle slices
SAUCES
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
CARAMELIZE THE ONIONS
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of neutral oil (about 1/2 tablespoon).
- Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt. Stir to coat evenly in the oil.
- Cook, stirring every few minutes, for about 10–15 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Continue cooking another 10–15 minutes, lowering the heat if needed, until the onions are deeply golden, glossy, and slightly jammy but still holding their shape. If the pan becomes too dry, add a small splash of water to loosen the browned bits and help them cook evenly.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
BURGER PATTIES
- Divide the ground beef into 3.5-ounce portions to make 4 patties total.
- Lightly press each portion into a flat circle without compacting the meat.
- Season one side with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Transfer patties to the skillet seasoned-side down.
- Season the second side with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply browned with crisp edges and juices rise to the surface.
- Flip and cook another 1½ to 2 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Add American cheese at the end and let it melt over the hot patties.
TOAST THE BUNS
- Brush the cut sides of the buns with melted butter.
- Toast cut-side down over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crispy all around.
ASSEMBLY
- Spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom bun.
- Add caramelized onions, followed by the patties (stack two for doubles).
- Layer on pickles, tomato sprinkled with salt and pepper, and shredded iceberg lettuce.
- Spread mayo on the top bun and close the burger.
- Wrap each burger tightly in foil.
- Let rest for 2 to 3 minutes to steam and meld the flavors, Five Guys-style.
Notes
Q: How many patties does this recipe make?
A: Using 1 pound of beef and 3.5-ounce portions, this recipe makes about 4 to 5 patties depending on how tightly they’re portioned. Q: Can I make these as single or double burgers?
A: Yes. You can serve them as singles or stack two patties for a double, Five Guys–style. Q: Why use 80/20 ground beef?
A: The higher fat content keeps the patties juicy and helps create that signature crust on a hot surface. Q: What flat-top griddle do you use?
A: I make these on a flat-top griddle. You can find the one I use here: Made-In Flat Top Griddle Q: What’s the purpose of wrapping the burgers in foil?
A: Wrapping traps steam, softens the bun slightly, and helps all the flavors meld together, just like Five Guys. Q: Can I make anything ahead of time?
A: The caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then reheated gently before assembling. Q: What pan works best if I don’t have a flat top?
A: A cast iron skillet works great and gives you a similar crust.
A: Using 1 pound of beef and 3.5-ounce portions, this recipe makes about 4 to 5 patties depending on how tightly they’re portioned. Q: Can I make these as single or double burgers?
A: Yes. You can serve them as singles or stack two patties for a double, Five Guys–style. Q: Why use 80/20 ground beef?
A: The higher fat content keeps the patties juicy and helps create that signature crust on a hot surface. Q: What flat-top griddle do you use?
A: I make these on a flat-top griddle. You can find the one I use here: Made-In Flat Top Griddle Q: What’s the purpose of wrapping the burgers in foil?
A: Wrapping traps steam, softens the bun slightly, and helps all the flavors meld together, just like Five Guys. Q: Can I make anything ahead of time?
A: The caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then reheated gently before assembling. Q: What pan works best if I don’t have a flat top?
A: A cast iron skillet works great and gives you a similar crust.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!