Divide your ground chuck into four, 4 oz, portions, gently pressing them into a spherical shape. Season them with a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper on all sides.

Heat a griddle on medium high heat, waiting for a couple minutes until the griddle is fully heated, then add beef and use a stiff metal spatula or grill press to press down on each one until they are very wide and about ½ inch thick.

Let cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving the patties to develop a good brown crust. Use the spatula to carefully scrape up the patties and flip them, one at a time. Add cheese now, if using.

Continue cooking until patties are cooked through, about 30 seconds to 1 ½ minutes, and cheese is melted.

Place patties, toppings, and condiments onto toasted burger buns, add top buns, and serve immediately.