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Classic Hamburgers

Juicy, flavorful beef patties grilled to perfection and served on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. This American staple is perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

25 minEasyServes 4450 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerGrillHigh ProteinLow CarbAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened
  • 4 lettuce leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 16 dill pickle slices
  • 4 cheese slices, American, cheddar, or your preference
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, gently combine 1 1/2 lbs 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Do not overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.

  2. 2

    Divide the meat mixture into equal portions (about 6 oz each for standard recipe) and form into patties that are slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink when cooking. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.

  3. 3

    If you have time, refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

  4. 4

    Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat.

  5. 5

    Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Grill the patties for 3-4 minutes on the first side.

  7. 7

    Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

  8. 8

    If adding cheese slices, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.

  9. 9

    Meanwhile, spread 2 tbsp softened butter on the cut sides of the 4 hamburger buns and toast them on the grill or in a separate pan until golden brown, about 1 minute.

  10. 10

    Assemble the burgers: Place each patty on a bottom bun, then add your preferred toppings such as 4 washed and dried lettuce leaves, 1 sliced tomato, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, and 16 dill pickle slices. Add condiments like 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup mustard, or 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Top with the other half of the bun.

  11. 11

    Serve immediately while hot.

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Questions

What is Classic Hamburgers?

Juicy, flavorful beef patties grilled to perfection and served on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. This American staple is perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings. This reference files it under American dinner: cooked on the grill, rated easy and about 25 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Classic Hamburgers reach?

For Classic Hamburgers, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 7. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Classic Hamburgers say not to overmix?

Step 1 reads: "Do not overmix, as this can make the burgers tough." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 1 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce in Classic Hamburgers?

The entry for Classic Hamburgers calls for 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. In its place: Soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

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

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 Hamburgers uses 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.

Can I start Classic Hamburgers the day before?

Yes. Step 3 is a built-in pause of 30 minutes: "If you have time, refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 4 when you are ready to finish.

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