Description
Classic beef burgers showcase meaty perfection with simple ingredients from American grilling traditions. Juicy patties and crisp toppings deliver backyard barbecue satisfaction you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef chuck or round
Seasonings:
- Salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Toppings and Serving:
- Butter, as needed
- Hamburger buns, buttered
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onion
Instructions
- Allow ground beef to reach ambient temperature for optimal patty formation, approximately 5 minutes out of refrigeration.
- Gently shape meat into uniform circular patties, ensuring consistent thickness and creating a subtle central indentation to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Generously apply kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper across both surfaces of each patty, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
- Preheat cast iron skillet over medium flame, melting butter to create a rich cooking surface with golden-brown potential.
- Carefully place seasoned patties into hot skillet, maintaining steady heat and allowing precise 3-4 minute cooking intervals per side.
- Monitor internal temperature using meat thermometer: 140°F indicates medium doneness, 160°F represents well-done preparation.
- Transfer cooked burgers onto lightly buttered buns, tenting loosely with aluminum foil for 5 minutes to preserve juiciness and redistribute internal moisture.
- Garnish with preferred condiments, fresh vegetables, and accompanying side items for complete culinary presentation.
Notes
- Room Temperature Meat ensures even cooking and helps the patties hold together better, preventing dry edges.
- Create a Thumb Indent in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking, allowing the burger to cook flat and maintain a uniform shape.
- Salt Just Before Cooking to prevent moisture loss, which can make the meat tough and dry.
- Use Cast Iron Pan for superior heat distribution and a perfect crispy exterior that seals in the burger’s juicy interior.
- Let Burgers Rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices, keeping the meat tender and preventing dryness when you take a bite.
- Gluten-Free Option swap regular buns for lettuce wraps or gluten-free burger buns to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Lean Meat Tip choose 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness, avoiding overly lean meat that can become dry and bland.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg