Description

This classic hamburger recipe delivers juicy, flavorful patties cooked to perfection using stovetop, grill, or oven methods. Made with lean ground beef and simple seasonings, these burgers are customizable with your favorite cheese, sauces, and toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe ensures evenly cooked, delicious hamburgers every time.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs to 1 1/2 lbs 80 to 85% lean ground beef
3/4 to 1 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp vegetable oil
4 hamburger buns

Toppings and Sauces (Optional)

Sauce (ketchup, mustard, mayo, guacamole, or spread)
Sliced cheddar cheese (American, PepperJack, Colby, Provolone, or Muenster)
Sliced tomatoes (pickles, red or yellow onion, avocado, cooked bacon, or sautéed mushrooms)

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Instructions

Portion the Meat: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions of 5 oz each if using 1 1/4 lbs or 6 oz each if using 1 1/2 lbs. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy and even cooking.
Shape the Patties: Gently form each portion into a cylinder and then smash into a 4-inch wide, 3/4-inch thick round. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent doming during cooking.
Season the Patties: Just before cooking, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Cook on Stovetop: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 8 minutes until the vegetable oil is nearly smoking. Turn on exhaust fan to manage smoke. Place patties spaced evenly in the pan, pressing down with a spatula for even contact. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the bottom is nicely browned. Flip and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more until cooked through. Add cheese after flipping to melt. Adjust heat if browning too fast.
Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety, or 150-155°F for medium-well.
Serve: Place cooked patties in hamburger buns and add your preferred sauces and toppings.
Optional Grilling Method: Preheat gas grill to 425-450°F. Clean and oil grill grates. Grill patties over flames for 4 minutes per side, adding cheese after flipping to melt. Cook until done.
Optional Baking Method: Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 500°F. Remove hot pan safely and brush with vegetable oil. Add patties and press for even contact. Return to oven, reduce temperature to 400°F, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes, turning in the last minute. Add cheese after turning to melt.

Notes

Using a kitchen scale ensures evenly sized patties for uniform cooking.
Making an indent in the center of patties prevents them from puffing up and helps cook evenly.
Cast iron skillet works best for stovetop and baking methods because it retains and distributes heat evenly.
Adjust cooking temperature if patties are browning too quickly or slowly.
Always use a food thermometer to check for safe internal temperature and preferred doneness.
Customize your burgers with a variety of cheese, sauces, and toppings to suit taste preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American