Classic American Hamburger

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Servings

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: 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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