Go Back
–+ servings
loaded burger stacked with toppings on a metal serving tray and served with sweet potato fries.
Print Recipe
5 from 18 votes

California Burger Recipe

No matter if you’re from the East Coast or the West Coast this juicy California Burger is going to wow you. The juicy, savory patty with onion forward flavors, smothered with plenty of avocado makes for a delicious burger you won’t want to pass up.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 182kcal
Author: Courtney Paige

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • rubber spatuala
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • skillet or grill pan

Ingredients

For the burger

  • 1 lbs lean ground beef 92% lean
  • ⅓ cup white onions finely diced or grated
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
  • 1 packet onion dip seasoning
  • pinch salt and pepper

Toppings

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
  • lettuce shredded or leaves
  • 2 avocados
  • 12 pickle coins
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • light mayo to taste
  • spicy mustard to taste
  • applewood bacon slices optional

Instructions

  • First finely dice the white onions. You want them small and uniform. Then, combine beef with all the burger ingredients to a large bowl.
  • Stir the burger mixture until everything is combined.
    raw ingredients for california burger mixed in glass mixing bowl.
  • Use your hands to form the mixture into 4 equal sized patties. Season each patty lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
    4 raw california burger patties formed on white plate.
  • Use cooking spray or a little olive oil to grease a large skillet and heat to medium heat. Place burgers into the pan.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side in the hot skillet or until the burger reaches desired doneness (at least 165ºF).
    4 raw california burger patties formed in gray skillet.
  • Add a slice of cheese to each burger 1 minute before removing from the pan. If needed, add a lid to the pan to trap the heat in so the cheese melts.
    4 cooked california burger patties topped with melted cheese on white plate.
  • Build the burger to your liking, just don’t skimp on the avocado! That’s the main topping in a California Burger Recipe! My preference: lots of pickles, light mayo, sliced avocado (or mashed avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice and lime juice), slice of tomato, shredded lettuce leaves, AND with a toasted bun.
  • For a perfectly toasted bun, spread a little butter on both the top bun and bottom bun and place on a baking sheet under the broiler, cut side up for 30-60 seconds until golden brown.
    loaded burger stacked with toppings on a metal serving tray and served with sweet potato fries.

Notes

Do not over mix your meat mixture! This’ll result in a tough patty texture once it’s cooked. These burger patties have flavorful seasonings throughout, but I also always sprinkle salt and pepper on the formed burger patties before cooking for extra flavor!
  • Grilling instructions: grill California burger patties at around 400ºF for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Add the slice of cheese and cook for 1 more minute to melt.
  • Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Leave off the toppings, and assemble on the bun just before enjoying.
Make a special Fry Sauce to serve with these burgers! Recipe included right before the recipe card!

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger (patty only) | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 593mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 4g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 21mg