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Classic Cheeseburger

Juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a toasted bun. The all-American lunch.

22 minMediumServes 4550 cal/serving

AmericanLunchStovetopStandardLow CarbLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 4 burger buns
  • 4 slices cheese, sliced
  • 4 lettuce, leaves
  • 4 slices tomato, sliced
  • 4 slices onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp ketchup

Instructions

  1. 1

    Divide 1/2 lb ground beef into equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from bulging during cooking.

  2. 2

    Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  4. 4

    Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on the first side.

  5. 5

    Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.

  6. 6

    Check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.

  7. 7

    Place a slice of 4 slices sliced cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan briefly to help the cheese melt if needed.

  8. 8

    While the patties are cooking, lightly toast 4 burger buns in another pan or on the outer edges of your grill pan.

  9. 9

    To assemble each burger, place a patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of a toasted bun.

  10. 10

    Top with a 4 leaves lettuce, a 4 slices sliced tomato, and a 4 slices sliced onion.

  11. 11

    Spread 2 tbsp ketchup on the top bun and place it on the burger.

  12. 12

    Serve immediately while hot.

Questions

Can I make Classic Cheeseburger dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (4 slices cheese, sliced) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free lunch collection instead.

Can I make Classic Cheeseburger gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 4 burger buns. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Classic Cheeseburger keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Classic Cheeseburger?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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