Classic Cheeseburger

Name: Classic Cheeseburger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
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

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

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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

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

Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
3

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4

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

Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
6

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

While the patties are cooking, lightly toast 4 burger buns in another pan or on the outer edges of your grill pan.
9

To assemble each burger, place a patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
10

Top with a 4 leaves lettuce, a 4 slices sliced tomato, and a 4 slices sliced onion.
11

Spread 2 tbsp ketchup on the top bun and place it on the burger.
12

Serve immediately while hot.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Classic Cheeseburger reach?

For Classic Cheeseburger, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What equipment do I need for Classic Cheeseburger?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a probe thermometer (step 6) and a grill pan (step 3).

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Classic Cheeseburger?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Classic Cheeseburger uses 1/2 lb ground beef.

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.

How do I store and reheat Classic Cheeseburger?

Refrigerate what is left of Classic Cheeseburger within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serve it with

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