Traditional Hamburgers

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Nothing beats the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a juicy, homemade hamburger. This traditional recipe dials up the classic flavors we all love, making it a perfect choice for a summer grill-out or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients for Traditional Hamburgers

Ground beef is the heart of this recipe, providing that rich, meaty flavor. Opt for a mix that's around 80/20 for the juiciest burgers. A touch of salt and black pepper brings out the beef's natural flavor without overpowering it. Each patty gets topped with a slice of cheddar cheese, which melts into gooey perfection. For a little crunch and tang, we've got sliced pickles and sliced onions, while lettuce leaves provide a fresh, crisp bite. Finally, ketchup and mustard add classic burger zing.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavorful patties, let the seasoned beef sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping.
  • If you're grilling, avoid pressing down on the patties; it squeezes out the juices.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to your liking: 160°F for well-done, and 140°F for medium rare.

Serving Suggestions

These burgers pair wonderfully with crispy fries or a fresh coleslaw. If you're feeling adventurous, try them with sweet potato wedges or a light arugula salad on the side. A cold lemonade or iced tea makes for a refreshing accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss, American, or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives.
What if I don't have a grill?
No worries! A stovetop pan or griddle works just fine. Make sure it's hot before adding the patties.

Traditional Hamburgers Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, get your grill or stovetop pan preheated to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the patties. In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Be gentle here; over-mixing can toughen the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form them into patties. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.

Place the patties on the hot grill and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This will give you a nice medium cook, but feel free to adjust the time if you like them more or less done. During the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close the lid or cover with a pan to help it melt.

As the cheese melts, pop the hamburger buns onto the grill for a quick toast, about 1-2 minutes. This step is key for that delightful crunch when you bite into your burger. Now, it's time to assemble: place the cheesy patties on the buns, then layer on the pickles, onions, and lettuce. Finally, drizzle with ketchup and mustard, or let your guests add their own for a personalized touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Customizable to suit your taste with optional toppings and sides.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced pickles
1/2 cup sliced onions
1/2 cup lettuce leaves
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup mustard

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, gently mix ground beef, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Form into 4 equal patties.
3. Place patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
5. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing patties on buns and topping with pickles, onions, lettuce, ketchup, and mustard.

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