The Perfect Burger
Sink your teeth into "The Perfect Burger," a true masterpiece for burger lovers, featuring juicy, flavor-packed patties crafted from 80/20 ground beef for the ideal balance of tenderness and richness. Enhanced with a blend of simple yet impactful seasonings—garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper—this burger is grilled or skillet-seared to perfection, delivering a delicious crust and mouthwatering aroma. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and layered with classic toppings like crisp lettuce, vine-ripened tomato slices, tangy pickles, and creamy condiments, all nestled in buttery toasted buns, this recipe is a foolproof guide to creating restaurant-quality burgers at home. Ready in just 25 minutes, these customizable burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or game-day feasts. Serve with crispy fries or a fresh side salad for the ultimate burger experience!
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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
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 slices cheddar cheese slices
- 4 pieces burger buns
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 pieces lettuce leaves
- 4 pieces tomato slices
- 8 pieces pickle slices
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾-inch thick. Use your thumb to create a slight indent in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Place the burger patties onto the hot skillet or grill. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet or grill with a lid to melt the cheese evenly.
While the patties are cooking, melt the butter in a separate skillet or on the grill. Toast the cut sides of the burger buns until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
To assemble the burgers, spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, and two pickle slices.
Place the cooked cheeseburger patty on top of the pickles. Spread 1 tablespoon of ketchup and a small drizzle of mustard over the patty.
Top with the other half of the bun and gently press down. Repeat for the remaining burgers.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like fries or a fresh salad, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2888 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 213.2 g | 273% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.8 g | 394% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 538 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 5485 mg | 238% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 119.6 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.0 g | ||
| Protein | 118.8 g | 238% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1116 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1561 mg | 33% | |
*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.
