Perfect Hamburger
Sink your teeth into the ultimate burger experience with this Perfect Hamburger recipe—a mouthwatering blend of juicy, seasoned ground beef and classic toppings. Crafted with the ideal 80/20 beef ratio for maximum flavor and tenderness, these homemade patties are seasoned simply with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to let the rich, meaty taste shine. Grilled or pan-seared to perfection, they’re topped with melty cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, tangy pickles, and a trio of condiments—ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard—for that classic diner-style finish. Toasted buns add a satisfying crunch, while simple assembly guarantees minimal prep time. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or casual weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and serves four. Pair it with crispy fries or a fresh side salad for a meal that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 cheddar cheese slices (optional)
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 8 slices pickles
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the patties tender.
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Shape each portion into a round patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking.
Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates or pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Place the hamburger patties on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip gently using a spatula. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
If adding cheese, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt.
Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster while the patties are finishing.
Assemble the burgers by spreading ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and two pickle slices.
Place the cooked hamburger patty on top, followed by the top half of the bun.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as French fries or a simple salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2632 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 204.0 g | 262% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.1 g | 370% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 492 mg | 164% | |
| Sodium | 5774 mg | 251% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.7 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 60.6 g | 216% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.7 g | ||
| Protein | 163.8 g | 328% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1064 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 1706 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
