Classic Beef Burger Recipe

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Patties:
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (ideally 80/20 or 85/15 blend for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• For Serving:
  • 4 burger buns
  • Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles, cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, provolone, etc.), bacon, avocado, and condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, burger sauce, BBQ sauce)
  • Optional: Butter for toasting the buns

Equipment:

• Large bowl
• Grill, stovetop grill pan, or frying pan
• Spatula

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Patties:

• In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce). Important: Don’t overmix the meat, as this can make the burgers tough. Just mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions.
• Shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your burger buns. Tip: Use your thumb to make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty. This helps prevent them from bulging in the middle while cooking.

2. Cook the Burgers:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
• Stovetop: Heat a grill pan or frying pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan.
• Place the patties on the hot surface (grill or pan).
• Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5-7 minutes per side for medium, or longer for well-done. Internal temperature should be: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
• If adding cheese, place the cheese slices on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking, allowing them to melt slightly.

3. Prepare the Buns and Assemble the Burgers:

• While the burgers are cooking, lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns (optional). Toast them on the grill or in the pan for a minute or two until lightly golden brown.
• To assemble the burgers: Place the bottom bun on a plate, add your desired condiments, then top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and the cooked burger patty (with cheese, if using). Add any other toppings you like (bacon, avocado, etc.). Finish with the top bun.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Ground Beef Blend: Experiment with different ground beef blends. 80/20 is a classic for juicy burgers, but a leaner blend can be used if desired. Note: If using a very lean blend, you may need to add some moisture (like a tablespoon of olive oil or a beaten egg) to the meat mixture.
• Seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings to your patties, such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or even finely chopped herbs.
• Breadcrumbs: For a more tender burger, add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs soaked in 1/4 cup of milk to the patty mixture.
• Toasting: Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy.
• Condiments: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sauces and toppings!
• Burger Sauce: A classic burger sauce can be made by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of paprika.
• Veggie Burgers: Substitute the ground beef with veggie burger patties.
• Chicken or Turkey Burgers: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or ground turkey, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure the poultry is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Enjoy your delicious homemade burger! Let me know if you have any other questions.