Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 4 leaves of lettuce
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 4 pickles
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
4. Place the patties on the grill or grill pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty and let it melt.
6. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or grill pan.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and ketchup to make the burger sauce.
8. To assemble the burgers, spread the burger sauce on the bottom bun, then add a patty with melted cheese, a slice of tomato, a leaf of lettuce, and a few pieces of diced onion. Top with the other half of the bun.
9. Serve the burgers with a pickle on the side.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
- Internal temperature of the patties: 160°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- American cheese can be substituted with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese.
- Hamburger buns can be substituted with whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Ketchup can be substituted with BBQ sauce or mustard.
Variations:
- Add bacon, avocado, or sautéed mushrooms to the burger.
- Use a different type of cheese or sauce for the burger.
- Make a double cheeseburger by adding an extra patty and slice of cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overwork the ground beef when forming the patties, as this can make them tough.
- Use a spatula to flip the patties, as using tongs can cause them to break apart.
- Let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Toasting the buns adds extra flavor and texture to the burger.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the burgers in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the burgers on a platter with a side of fries or onion rings.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the burgers with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve the burgers with a cold beer or soda.
Suggested side dishes:
- French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the burgers are sticking to the grill or grill pan, make sure it is well-oiled before cooking.
- If the burgers are dry, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a beaten egg to the ground beef mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and cooking surfaces before handling raw meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- The cheeseburger is a classic American dish that dates back to the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The classic cheeseburger is savory, juicy, and slightly sweet from the burger sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the burgers on a plate with a side of fries and a pickle.
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