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Hamburgers · Classic Grilled

Classic Grilled Hamburgers

Thick, juicy patties of 80/20 ground beef seasoned simply with salt and pepper and grilled over high heat for a charred crust. Build them your way with cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion.

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Prep
10 min
Cook
12 min
Total
25 min
Serves
4 · 4 burgers
Level
Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb ground beef, 80/20, cold
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • vegetable oil, for the grates
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 4 hamburger buns, split

Toppings

  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ketchup (optional)
  • yellow mustard (optional)
  • pickles (optional)

Cook to 160°F inside (check with a thermometer).

Steps

  1. Heat a grill to high, about 450°F to 500°F, and clean the grates.
  2. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a loose patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Handle the meat as little as you can.
  3. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb so it stays flat as it cooks, then wash your hands.
  4. Season both sides of the patties generously with the salt and pepper right before they go on the grill.
  5. Brush the grates with oil and grill the patties without pressing on them until a dark crust forms.
  6. Flip once and grill until the burgers reach 160°F (71°C) in the center, adding the cheese for the last minute with the lid closed.
  7. Toast the buns cut side down at the edge of the grill while the burgers finish.
  8. Rest the burgers on a clean plate, then build them on the buns with lettuce, tomato, onion and your favorite sauces.

Tip: Cold meat and a light touch make tender burgers; overworking it makes them dense.

Tip: Use a clean plate for the cooked burgers, never the one that held them raw.

Storage: Refrigerate cooked patties up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat until 165°F.

Make ahead: Shape the patties up to 1 day ahead, separate them with parchment and refrigerate; season just before grilling.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 570 calories · protein 34 g · carbohydrates 25 g · fiber 2 g · sugars 5 g · fat 36 g (saturated 13 g) · sodium 770 mg. Estimate from USDA FoodData Central; not medical or dietary advice. Based on 7 of 7 ingredients.