The Perfect Basic Burger

Ingredients

• 🍔ground beef1.5 lbs
• 🧂saltto taste
• 🫑black pepperto taste
• 🍞hamburger buns4
• 🥬lettuce4 leaves
• 🍅tomato1 medium
• 🧅onion1/2 medium
• 🧀cheese slices4 slices
• 🍯condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo)as desired

Method

1. 1Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form into patties about 3/4 inch thick.
2. 2Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent bulging during cooking.
3. 3Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
4. 4Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
5. 5Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust time based on desired doneness.
6. 6Add cheese slice to each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
7. 7Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired.
8. 8Assemble burgers: place patty on bottom bun, then add lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments as desired.
9. 9Top with the upper bun and serve immediately.