Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
4 hamburger buns
4 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, American, Swiss)
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Onion slices
Pickles
Ketchup
Mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking)
Instructions:
Prepare the Patties: Gently divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Form each portion into a patty, about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink a bit when cooked). Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb – this helps prevent them from bulging in the middle. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Preheat Grill or Skillet: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Cook the Burgers:
Grill: Place the patties on the hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5-7 minutes per side for medium, or longer for well-done.
Skillet: Place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5-7 minutes per side for medium, or longer for well-done.
Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty until melted.
Toast Buns (Optional): While the burgers are cooking, you can lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a separate pan for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Assemble: Place a cooked, cheese-topped patty on the bottom half of each bun.
Add Toppings: Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles as desired.
Condiments: Spread ketchup and mustard on the top bun, then place it on top of the burger.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your classic cheeseburger!
Here is another American classic:
