Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat.

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Make an indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from bulging during cooking. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.

Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (55-57°C), and for medium, aim for 140-145°F (60-63°C).

During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each burger patty and let it melt.

While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill until they are golden brown.

Assemble your burgers by placing each cooked patty on a toasted bun. Drizzle about a tablespoon of barbecue sauce over each patty.

Add your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or bacon.

Top each burger with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.