Toast burger buns (optional): Heat a large skillet (or flat top grill) over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Once melted, spread the butter around the pan. Put the buns, cut side down, in the pan and move them around a bit to soak up some butter, then toast until golden. Set aside.

Prep burger toppings: You want to have everything ready to go, since the burgers cook so quickly. Then you can assemble and serve the burgers while they're hot!

Make burgers: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (2 ounces each) and shape each portion into a round ball.

Heat a flat top grill, cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, use tongs to add the ground beef balls to the hot surface. Immediately, working quickly, place a sheet of parchment paper on top of each one and then use a burger press to flatten each burger so that it's no more than ¼-inch thick. Remove the parchment and generously season the top of each patty with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side.

Use a thin metal spatula to scrape under each burger and flip it over. Add a slice of cheese on top of half of the patties. Cook for 60-90 seconds on the second side, then remove from the heat.

Assemble burgers: Spread your desired sauces (ketchup, mustard, burger sauce, etc.) on the bottom bun. Add your desired toppings next (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles), then add one of the cheese topped burger patties followed by a plain burger patty. Add the top bun and enjoy!