Name: The $46 Burger: A Las Culturistas Culture Awards Tribute
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend), preferably grass-fed; 4 brioche burger buns; 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese; 1 large heirloom tomato, thickly sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 4 leaves butter lettuce or gem lettuce; 1/4 cup dill pickles, sliced; 2 tbsp good-quality mayonnaise; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or grapeseed)

The $46 Burger: A Las Culturistas Culture Awards Tribute

CookwithNewsletter

Paying homage to the iconic absurdity of the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, this $46 Burger is a celebration of both high-low food culture and pure indulgence. Inspired by the kind of burger you order at a trendy spot just because 'everyone says it’s really good,' this recipe features a perfectly seared, juicy patty, melty cheddar, and all the classic trimmings, stacked on a pillowy brioche bun. It’s decadent, a little silly, and absolutely award-worthy—just like your own culinary adventures. Perfect for sharing with friends while debating the 'Best Breakfast' or any of life’s deliciously ridiculous questions.

Ingredients

Instructions

Remove beef from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Form into 4 loose 4-oz patties, handling minimally for maximum juiciness. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Preheat a cast iron pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, split the brioche buns and spread butter on the cut sides.
Toast buns, buttered side down, in the hot pan until golden (about 2 minutes). Set aside.
Add oil to the pan. Sear the burger patties, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip, add a slice of cheddar to each, cover with a lid, and cook another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare (or longer for desired doneness).
While burgers cook, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to create a special sauce.
Assemble: Spread the sauce on the bottom buns, top with lettuce, a burger patty, tomato slice, onion, pickles, and finish with the top bun.
Serve immediately with napkins—because decadence and chaos deserve a little mess.