Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles (optional)
- Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (optional)
- Cheese slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into a round patty, about ¾ inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the hamburger patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness.
- If desired, add cheese slices on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking and allow them to melt.
- While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
- Assemble the hamburgers: Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Add desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, and pickles. Spread condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the top half of the bun.
- Place the top bun over the assembled toppings to complete the hamburger.
- Serve the hamburgers immediately while they are still hot. You can pair them with your favorite side dishes like french fries or coleslaw.
Enjoy the classic and delicious taste of an authentic hamburger prepared in your own kitchen! Feel free to customize the toppings and condiments according to your preferences.