Classic Cheeseburger Recipes

CLASSIC BURGER-JOINT CHEESEBURGER

Steps:

• Preheat grill for direct-heat cooking. Gently form beef into 4 patties, each 4 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick (do not overwork meat or patties will be tough). Season generously with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise onto the cut sides of each bun.
• Place patties on grill and cook, uncovered, until browned and sizzling on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip, top each with a slice of cheese, cover grill, and cook until cheese is melted and patties are medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate. Place buns on grill cut-side down; cook just until lightly toasted and golden brown in places, about 1 minute.
• Dress the cut side of each bottom bun with ketchup and mayonnaise (or desired condiments), then top with patties. Place a tomato slice on top of each patty and season with salt. Stack with pickles and lettuce. Dress cut side of top buns with condiments, then sandwich toppings and serve.

CLASSIC CHEESEBURGER

Steps:

• Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Season meat with salt and pepper, mix very lightly, and shape into four patties. Grill hamburgers 4 to 6 minutes per side for rare and 9 to 11 minutes for well done. If making cheeseburgers, lay cheese slices on top of the hamburgers after they have been flipped.
• Serve immediately on buns (toasted, if desired), topped with tomatoes, lettuce, and onion slices.

CLASSIC SMASHED CHEESEBURGER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, use your hands to gently combine ground sirloin and brisket. Divide into four equal-sized, loosely meat pucks about 2 1/2 inches thick. Place patties on a plate lined with plastic wrap or parchment; transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes (do not exceed this amount of time).
• Meanwhile, heat a griddle, large cast-iron skillet, or large heavy stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and place the buns, cut-side down, in the pan. Cook until cut sides are golden-brown, about 2 minutes (you may need to do this in two batches, using additional butter if needed). Place toasted buns on four plates, reserving griddle or skillet.
• Remove patties from freezer. Increase heat to high and add 2 tablespoons oil to the griddle or skillet; heat until oil begins to smoke. Working one at a time, add a patty to griddle and immediately press one of the spatulas flat on top of the patty. Use the handle of the other to hammer the spatula down, smashing the patty until 1/2 inch thick. (You'll have to hammer harder and longer than you might think.) Press down and slide the spatula to remove it without tearing the patty; generously season patty with salt and pepper. Repeat smashing process with remaining patties.
• Flip each patty once the first side is deeply browned and crisp with craggly edges, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes for medium. Season the cooked side generously with salt and pepper, then add a slice of cheese and continue to cook until melted, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes more. Transfer cooked patties to bottom burger buns.
• Top burgers with tomatoes and lettuce; spread top buns with Not-So-Secret Sauce and place on top. Serve immediately.

CLASSIC AMERICAN CHEESEBURGER RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, gently mix together the ground chuck, short rib, and brisket with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon ground pepper.
• Shape the meat into 4 equal patties about 4½ inches wide and 1 inch thick. Use your thumb to press an indentation into the center of each patty to prevent a bubble from forming in the center when cooking. Generously season the tops and sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Spread about ½ tablespoon of butter onto each cut side of the hamburger buns. Working in batches, toast the buns, buttered-side down, for about 2 minutes, until golden brown. Set aside.
• Increase the heat to medium-high. Add a thin layer of canola oil to the pan and cook the burgers for 4 minutes on one side, until nicely browned. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Top each burger with a slice of cheese and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 135°F (57°C), another 1-2 minutes.
• Assemble the burgers: Place a burger patty on each toasted bun, then top with a slice of tomato and red onion, lettuce, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!