While heating a thick bottomed skillet, form four thin patties from the ground beef and generously salt and pepper both sides.
Once pan is very hot, carefully drop in the patties and allow to sizzle without moving them around. After a moment, press down with a spatula to assure meat’s full contact with pan.
After two or three minutes, check to see that a a crust is forming on the underside and if properly crusty and golden brown, flip. Again press down hard on patties to sear.
Next, place a slice of cheese, and the bun (bottom face down and then the top) on the patties and cover using a lid; if lid squishes the buns, even better.
Cook covered until a nice crust has formed, the cheese has melted, and the buns are soft. Serve with or without the usual accoutrements. Enjoy!