Classic American Hamburger
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
4
Yield
4 hamburgers
Calories
Approximately 500 calories per hamburger (without cheese)
The Classic American Hamburger is more than just a meal; it’s an iconic symbol of American cuisine, celebrated in backyards and diners across the nation.
This hamburger recipe brings you the quintessential experience with its perfectly seasoned beef patty, placed between soft, toasted buns, and complemented by the classic trio of lettuce, tomato, and onions.
Add a slice of melty cheese, a smear of ketchup and mustard, and you’ve got a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or cooking indoors, this hamburger is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, flavorful burger that tastes like tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 slices red onion
- 4 slices American cheese (optional)
- Ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Note:Â For the best flavor and texture, avoid overworking the meat when forming patties.
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill or cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
- Assemble the burgers by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by the beef patty, a slice of tomato, and a slice of onion. Add ketchup and mustard or your preferred sauce.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Lightly pressing a thumbprint into the center of each patty before cooking can help prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or minced garlic to the beef mixture.
- Toasting the buns on the grill or skillet adds a nice texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Mise en Place
Ingredients
Utensils
- Ground beef
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- American cheese slices (optional)
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Grill or skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
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