Classic Beef Burger Recipe

This recipe focuses on simple, quality ingredients to let the beef shine.

Yields: 4 burgers Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 8-12 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Patties:

  • 1 ½ pounds (about 680g) ground beef (80/20 chuck is ideal for flavor and juiciness)

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder

• For Assembly (adjust to your preference):

  • 4 burger buns (brioche, potato, or sesame seed buns work well)

  • Lettuce leaves (iceberg or green leaf)

  • Tomato slices

  • Red onion slices

  • Pickle slices

  • Cheese slices (cheddar, American, Swiss, or provolone – if making cheeseburgers)

  • Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise

Equipment:

• Large bowl

• Grill or cast-iron skillet/frying pan

• Spatula

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Patties:

   • In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and optional garlic/onion powder. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the burgers tough.

   • Divide the meat into 4 equal portions.

   • Form each portion into a ¾-inch thick patty, slightly wider than your burger bun (they will shrink as they cook).

   • Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty. This helps prevent the burger from bulging in the middle as it cooks.

2. Preheat Grill or Pan:

   • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F / 200-230°C).

   • Pan: If using a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan, heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Add a very thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed) if your pan isn’t perfectly seasoned.

3. Cook the Burgers:

   • Place the patties on the hot grill or in the pan.

   • For Medium-Rare: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.

   • For Medium: Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side.

   • For Medium-Well: Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side.

   • For Well-Done: Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side.

   • Do not press down on the patties with your spatula while cooking, as this squeezes out the flavorful juices.

   • If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking, covering with a lid if desired, to melt the cheese.

4. Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended):

   • While the burgers are cooking (or right after), lightly butter or oil the cut sides of the burger buns.

   • Place them cut-side down on the grill or in a clean part of the pan for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and toasted. This adds texture and prevents the bun from getting soggy.

5. Assemble and Serve:

   • Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

   • Layer with your favorite toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments.

   • Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately!

Enjoy your homemade classic beef burger!