Begin by dividing your high-quality ground beef into eight equally sized 2-ounce balls. Season each ball generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt and foam before adding your diced onions. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.

Lower the heat slightly and place two beef balls in the skillet. Smash each ball down firmly into a flat patty about ¼ inch thick. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust.

After flipping, immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prepare your Special New York Sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, chopped pickles, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Stir until blended.

Toast your burger buns lightly. Spread the Special New York Sauce on the bottom bun, layer sautéed onions, stack double cheesy patties, and cap with the top bun.