Hamburgers are a classic and beloved dish that bring together the savory flavors of juicy, seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and soft buns. The key to a perfect hamburger lies in the balance of flavors and textures—the richness of the ground beef, the slight crunch of fresh lettuce, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the tang of pickles all complement each other beautifully. Whether you choose to add cheese, condiments like ketchup and mustard, or more gourmet toppings like avocado or bacon, hamburgers are versatile and customizable to suit any taste. Cooked on a grill or in a skillet, a well-made hamburger is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Hamburger Recipe
The key to a perfect hamburger lies in the balance of flavors and textures—the richness of the ground beef, the slight crunch of fresh lettuce, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the tang of pickles all complement each other beautifully. Whether you choose to add cheese, condiments like ketchup and mustard, or more gourmet toppings like avocado or bacon, hamburgers are versatile and customizable to suit any taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together gently, making sure not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
Form the Patties
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round patty about ¾ inch thick. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
Cook the Patties
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness.
- If using cheese, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
Toast the Buns
While the patties are cooking, slice the hamburger buns and lightly toast them in the same pan or under a broiler.
Assemble the Hamburgers
- Spread your preferred condiments (ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise) on the toasted buns.
- Place a cooked patty on the bottom bun, followed by lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles.
- Cover with the top bun and press gently.
Serve
Serve the hamburgers hot with a side of fries, coleslaw, or your favorite sides.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 317kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 125mg42%
- Sodium 475mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 27g54%
- Calcium 39 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Meat: Choose ground beef with about 20% fat content for juicy and flavorful patties.
- Seasoning: Simple seasoning with salt and pepper is often enough, but you can add spices or herbs like paprika or thyme for extra flavor.
- Cooking: Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to retain their juices. Cook them to your preferred level of doneness.
- Buns: Toasting the buns adds texture and helps prevent them from getting soggy.
- Cheese: Common choices include cheddar, American, or Swiss cheese. You can also experiment with blue cheese or pepper jack for a twist.