Description
This classic hamburger recipe features perfectly seasoned ground chuck patties grilled to juicy perfection, topped with melted American cheese and served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Ideal for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, these burgers are flavorful, easy to prepare, and customizable with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Patties
- 1 ½ pounds ground chuck (80/20)
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Toppings
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
- 6 slices American cheese or your favorite cheese
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 1 beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced
- ½ of a red or white onion, thinly sliced
- 6 pickle slices
Optional Toppings
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Grilled onions
- Jalapeños
- Bacon
- Onion rings
Condiments
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Thousand Island dressing
- Ranch dressing
- Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce
Instructions
- Make Burger Seasoning: Combine freshly ground black pepper, salt, paprika, light brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Form Patties: Divide the ground chuck into 6 equal portions. Gently form each into a ½ inch thick patty that is slightly wider than your buns, being careful not to over-handle the meat to avoid toughness.
- Indent Patties: Use your thumb to press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up during grilling. Cover patties and set aside while you preheat the grill.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is well cleaned and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Season and Grill Patties: Just before cooking, sprinkle the prepared burger seasoning evenly on both sides of the patties. Place them on the grill with the indentation facing up. Close the lid and grill for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is nicely seared and juices appear on top.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the burgers carefully and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of American cheese on each burger during the last minute of grilling to allow it to melt perfectly.
- Rest Burgers: Remove the patties from the grill and let them rest on a plate for a few minutes. This helps juices redistribute within the meat for a juicier bite.
- Assemble Burgers: Place each patty on a toasted bun and add fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, pickles, and your desired condiments and toppings.
Notes
- Meat: For best flavor and juiciness, use ground chuck or a blend of 60% ground chuck and 40% brisket. If using lean ground beef (less than 20% fat), consider adding chopped bacon or a tablespoon of olive oil to keep patties moist.
- Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully and is traditional for burgers. Choose freshly sliced deli American cheese rather than processed singles for superior texture and flavor.
- Stovetop Cooking Alternative: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil. Cook patties for 3-5 minutes on each side until they reach 160°F internal temperature.
- Cooking Temperature Guide: Aim for 160°F for medium doneness (~3-4 minutes per side). Adjust time slightly for medium rare or well done.
- Make Ahead: Form patties in advance, placing parchment paper between each. Store covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days depending on meat freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze raw patties up to 3 months with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container. Thaw fully before grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and toppings
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
