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When it comes to quintessential American cuisine, the classic beef burger is undoubtedly a standout. This beloved dish has transcended generations, becoming a staple at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and even upscale restaurants. The allure of sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked burger, with its juicy patty, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, is hard to resist. But while there are countless fast-food options available, nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of crafting your own homemade burger.

Classic Beef Burgers with Cheese

Discover the art of making juicy classic beef burgers with cheese, a timeless recipe that's perfect for any occasion. This guide walks you through selecting the right ground beef, essential seasonings, and creating flavorful patties. Learn how to achieve the ideal cooking temperature and melt your favorite cheese to perfection. Complete your masterpiece with fresh toppings and toasted buns. Enjoy crafting homemade burgers that impress family and friends while savoring each delicious bite!

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for optimal juiciness)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

4 slices of cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)

4 burger buns (preferably brioche or sesame)

1 tbsp vegetable oil (for grilling)

Lettuce leaves (for topping)

Tomato slices (for topping)

Pickles (for topping)

Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise (condiments of choice)

Instructions
 

Prep the Patties: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

    Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the grill grates or skillet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

      Cook the Patties: Once hot, add the beef patties to the grill. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on one side. Avoid pressing down on the patties as they cook to retain juices.

        Add Cheese: Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Close the grill lid or cover the skillet to melt the cheese.

          Toast the Buns (optional): If desired, during the last few minutes of cooking, place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill or skillet to toast them lightly.

            Assemble the Burgers: Once the cheeseburgers are cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare is typically 130-135°F), remove them from the heat. On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a lettuce leaf, then add the burger patty with melted cheese. Top with tomato slices, pickles, and your choice of condiments. Finish by placing the top half of the bun on top.

              Serve and Enjoy: Serve the burgers immediately with your choice of sides, like fries or coleslaw. Enjoy your homemade classic beef burgers with cheese!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings