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Copycat In-N-Out Burger

This In-N-Out burger copycat version is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! Juicy beef patty smothered in ooey gooey cheese, secret sauce, tomato, lettuce, and onion on a toasted bun.

In n out burger with special sauce on the side.


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These copycat In-N-Out cheeseburgers are simply amazing! We don't eat fast food much at all but if we do In-N-Out is our go-to place. Let's not forget about that sweet and tangy sauce, each bite sends your taste buds into overdrive. No need for ketchup for the fries when you have this amazing sauce to dunk them in. If you prefer a grilled burger try my Pepper Jack Burger.

Why this recipe works

I'm not sure why such a simple burger can taste so amazing, and this secret sauce is spot on. These are so close to the real thing you have to give it a try. The burgers are extremely simple to make like my Skillet Burger and easy Smash Burgers. Just some salt and pepper and a spread of mustard then cooked on a hot skillet to form an amazing crust.

Ingredients needed for this In-n-Out Burger

All the ingredients needed for this recipe.

Ingredient Notes

  • Hamburger: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor
  • Cheese: Real American cheese from the deli
  • Hamburger Buns: Buttered and toasted
  • Onion: Sweet onion
  • Mustard: Simple yellow mustard
  • Mayonnaise: Use really mayo.

how to make this copycat In N Out burger

Ground beef patties on a cutting board, and the buns placed in a hot skillet.
  • Step 1: Divide and form the meat into 8 equal parts and flatten them into thin patties, and add salt and pepper on top.
  • Step 2: Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the buns to toast, set aside.
Ground beef patties placed in a hot skillet with mustard placed on top.
  • Step 3: Place the patty into the skillet.
  • Step 4: Spread mustard on the top and a little more salt and pepper.
American cheese placed on top of the burger patty and melted.
  • Step 5: Flip the patty and place a slice of cheese on top.
  • Step 6: Cover the skillet so the cheese melts.
Special sauce put on the bottom bun then onion, tomato, lettuce and the patties with cheese.
  • Step 7: Add some special sauce to the bottom bun.
  • Step 8: Add the slice of tomato and onion slice.
  • Step 9: Place some iceberg lettuce on top.
  • Step 10: Add the burger patty with melted cheese, followed by the top bun.
In n out burger with special sauce on the side.

Recipe tips

  • I recommend using a cast iron skillet or aluminum skillet for the best sear on the burgers you can also use a flat griddle.
  • The recipe makes 8 single burgers or 4 doubles but it can easily be cut in half.
In n out burger being held.

Recipe faq's

What is In n Out?

If you haven't heard in-n-out restaurant is a delicious fast-food chain primarily on the west coast. They use fresh simple ingredients prepped daily, and make each burger one at a time.

What is animal style burger?

It's one of the options on their secret menu, like double double animal style. Onions are cooked down in a skillet and then caramelized onions are added to a burger to make it animal-style.

Can you make these ahead of time?

This in-n-out cheeseburger is best made fresh but I will prep the beef patties and place them on parchment paper in an airtight container and make the rest the next day. The in-n-out sauce can be made ahead and stored in a container in the refrigerator.

Can you taste the mustard?

Adding the mustard on one side is an In-n- out trick to get that unique crust. Don't worry the mustard cooks and you don't taste it.

In n out burger with special sauce on the side.

Copycat In-N-Out Burger

4.46 from 142 votes
Written By: Wendie
This In-N-Out burger copycat version is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! Juicy beef patty smothered in ooey gooey cheese, secret sauce, tomato, lettuce, and onion on a toasted bun.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 502

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons mustard
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 1 large beefsteak tomato
  • Iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 1 large onion cut into slices
  • 8 hamburger buns

For the special sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

Instructions
 

  • Form meat into eight patties on a piece of parchment paper then cut a square around each patty, this helps place the patty into the hot skillet. You want the patties thin and slightly larger than the size of your bun. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish in a small bowl
  • Preheat a cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat add 1/2 teaspoon oil and place your buns split side down in the heated pan, cook until toasted about 1 minute. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
  • Pick up a patty and place the salt and pepper side down into the hot skillet, then pull off the parchment paper. Cook without moving until well browned and crusty on the first side, about 2ยฝ minutes. While they are cooking, spread 2 teaspoons of mustard on the raw side. Then flip and top each side with 2 slices of cheese continue cooking for 1 more minute.
  • Spread sauce on the bottom toasted bun, place tomato, onion, and lettuce then patty with melted cheese add the top bun and serve.

Video

Notes

I recommend using a cast iron skillet or aluminum skillet for the best sear on the burgers.
The recipe makes 8 single burgers or 4 doubles but it can easily be cut in half.
Parchment paper is optional but it does make it easier to place the patty into the hot skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 502kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 1100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course Entrees
Cuisine American
4.46 from 142 votes (141 ratings without comment)

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35 Comments

  1. Hello, I saw this recipe on my FB feed and I had to try it. Since I didn't have a cast iron I cooked the burgers on my electric griddle and it formed the outer crust, and I prefer the griddle because as the burgers cook all the grease drains out. I am not a big burger eater but this came out delicious and my whole family loved them. I grilled the onions on the side, since we really don't like raw onions too much...thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚