Prepare your ingredients by gathering ground beef, salt, pepper, and buns.

In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt and pepper; shape into four thick patties.

Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.

Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side; add cheese slices during the last minute to melt.

While burgers cook, slice buns and toast them on the grill until golden brown.

Assemble each burger with a cheesy patty on a bun half, add desired toppings, and finish with the other bun half.