Prepare your workspace by placing parchment paper on your counter and heating the skillet on medium-high.

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions of about 4 ounces each and loosely form them into balls.

Add butter to the hot skillet and let it melt, coating the cooking surface.

Gently place one beef ball onto the hot surface and immediately smash it flat with your spatula or hand.

Hold pressure on the beef ball for 2 to 3 seconds, then let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes.

After 3 minutes, sprinkle salt and pepper generously on the cooked side of the patty.

Flip the patty carefully and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches desired doneness. Add cheese during the last 30 seconds if desired.

Remove the patties to a plate and let them rest for 2 minutes while toasting the buns on the griddle.

Transfer each patty to a bun, add desired toppings, and serve immediately.