Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices of American cheese
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion for toppings (optional)
- Ketchup and mustard for condiments (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well with your hands until evenly combined.
- Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and form each portion into a patty. Make sure to press down in the center of each patty to create a slight indentation. This will help the patty cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up as it cooks.
- Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the grill or skillet is hot, place the patties on it.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. For medium-rare burgers, a meat thermometer should read 130-135°F. For medium burgers, it should read 140-145°F. For well-done burgers, it should read 160-165°F.
- During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of American cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.
- While the burgers are cooking, slice the lettuce, tomato and onion.
- Toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster.
- Assemble the burgers by placing the patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of the bun, topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Add ketchup and mustard, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your classic American hamburger!
This classic American hamburger recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious, juicy burger. The key to making a great burger is to use high-quality ground beef, season it well, and cook it to your desired doneness.
When it comes to the ground beef, it is best to use an 80/20 blend. This means that the beef is 80% lean and 20% fat. This ratio of fat to meat is perfect for burgers, as it provides the right amount of juiciness and flavor. It also helps to prevent the patty from becoming too dry and tough.
The seasoning for this recipe is simple, just salt and pepper. These two ingredients are all you need to bring out the natural flavors of the beef. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, but these are not necessary.
When cooking the burgers, it’s important to press down on the center of each patty to create a slight indentation. This will help the patty cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up as it cooks. Also, make sure to cook the burgers over medium-high heat, as this will give them a nice sear on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy.
The toppings for this classic American hamburger recipe are optional, but they add a nice crunch and freshness to the burger. Lettuce, tomato, and onion are a classic combination, but you can also use other toppings such as pickles, bacon, or avocado.
For the condiments, ketchup and mustard are traditional options, but you can also use other condiments such as mayonnaise, Thousand Island dressing, or hot sauce.