Start by prepping your vegetables and toppings. Dice tomatoes, slice pickles, and rinse the lettuce. Organize everything for easy assembly later.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

Place your skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to become hot.

Form the beef mixture into balls, roughly the size of a golf ball. Add the beef balls to the skillet and smash each ball down to form a patty. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping.

If using cheese, place a slice on each patty when you flip them. Cover the skillet for a minute to allow the cheese to melt.

In your bowl, start with a base of lettuce or crushed buns. Top with the cooked patties and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes and pickles.

For extra flavor, consider drizzling with a homemade or store-bought sauce.

This dish is best served warm, so enjoy it fresh from the kitchen.