The Ultimate Classic Hamburger🍖 Main
Juicy, seasoned beef patties grilled to perfection and piled high with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, tangy pickles, and crisp red onions.
By Jason Miller, Weeknight Cook & Household Coordinator
The quintessential American hamburger is a masterpiece of contrasting textures and temperatures. The key to a truly phenomenal burger lies in using 80/20 ground beef to ensure the patty remains juicy and flavorful through the cooking process. Paired with the cool crunch of fresh lettuce, the acidity of tomatoes and pickles, and the sharp bite of red onion, this burger balances savory richness with refreshing crispness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef, divided into 4 equal portions
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 4 leaves crisp green leaf lettuce
- 4 thick slices ripe tomato
- 12 slices dill pickles
- 4 thin slices red onion
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Nutrition (Per 4 servings)*
* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.
Instructions
- Step 1: Gently form the ground beef into 4 round patties, making a slight thumbprint indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Generously season both sides of the patties with salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Grill or pan-sear the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Step 4: Toast the hamburger buns cut-side down until golden brown.
- Step 5: Assemble the burgers by placing the lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by the beef patty, tomato slice, red onion, and sliced pickles. Top with the upper bun.
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