Cheeseburger (classic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Cheeseburger
The classic cheeseburger is an iconic American dish that has stood the test of time, evolving from its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to become a staple of backyard barbecues and diners alike. With its juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings, this burger is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you prefer it with the traditional lettuce, tomato, and onion or with a twist of your own, the cheeseburger is endlessly customizable.
To make the perfect classic cheeseburger, it’s essential to start with high-quality ground beef, ideally with a fat content of around 80/20. This ratio ensures that the burger remains juicy and flavorful without being overly greasy. When forming the patties, be careful not to overwork the meat; a gentle hand will yield a tender burger that cooks evenly. And remember, when it comes to seasoning, less is more—just a sprinkle of salt and pepper will do the trick.
Grilling the burgers is where the magic happens. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 375°F to 400°F. This temperature allows for a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. As the burgers cook, resist the urge to press down on them with a spatula; this will only squeeze out the flavorful juices. Instead, let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. And don’t forget to add the cheese during the last minute of cooking, so it melts beautifully over the patty.
Finally, assemble your burger with your favorite toppings and condiments. A classic cheeseburger is often served on a toasted sesame seed bun, which adds a delightful crunch. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a dollop of ketchup or mustard, and you’re ready to enjoy a bite of Americana. Just remember, if you’re grilling for a crowd, you might want to double the recipe—after all, nobody wants to be the one left without a burger!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese slices
- 4 buns sesame seed hamburger buns
- 4 leaves lettuce leaves
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 0.5 cup pickles, sliced
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup mustard
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 pound of ground beef, 4 sesame seed hamburger buns, and your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Make sure to have your cheese slices ready as well.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat; you want to keep it tender. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾ inch thick.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for achieving a nice sear on the burgers while keeping them juicy inside. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down until they are covered with white ash.
- Once the grill is hot, place the patties on the grill grates. Cook the burgers for about 3 to 4 minutes without pressing down on them. This allows a crust to form, locking in the juices.
- After 3 to 4 minutes, flip the burgers using a spatula. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. You’re looking for a nice brown color and an internal temperature of 160°F for medium doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt beautifully. This will take about 1 minute.
- While the cheese is melting, toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1 minute until they are golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch and prevents the bun from becoming soggy.
- Once the burgers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- To assemble the burgers, start with the bottom half of the toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the bun, followed by the cheeseburger patty.
- Add a slice of tomato and a few pickle slices on top of the patty. You can also add any additional toppings you enjoy, such as onions or avocado.
- Finally, spread ketchup and mustard on the top half of the bun. Place it on top of the assembled burger and press down gently.
- Serve the cheeseburgers immediately while they are still warm. Pair them with your favorite sides, like fries or a salad, for a complete meal.
- Enjoy your classic cheeseburger with friends and family. Just remember, the only thing better than a cheeseburger is a cheeseburger shared with good company!
- If you have leftovers, store the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the grill or in a skillet.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Carbs g: 30
- Protein g: 30
- Fat g: 35
- Sugar g: 5
