A cheeseburger is a popular American dish consisting of a cooked ground beef patty placed inside a sliced hamburger bun. The beef patty is typically topped with cheese, commonly cheddar or American, and garnished with various condiments and vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. The cheese is melted over the patty just before it finishes cooking, giving the burger a creamy, savory flavor that complements the meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or American)
- Lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bacon, avocado, or other preferred toppings
Appliances:
- Stove or grill
- Toaster or oven (optional, for toasting buns)
Special Utensils:
- Grill spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
- Knife (for slicing tomato, onion, and other toppings)
Recipe:
- Preheat your grill or skillet: If using a grill, heat it to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, place it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the tomato, onion, and any other toppings you are using. Set aside. If you prefer toasted buns, preheat your toaster or oven, or you can toast them on the grill or skillet later.
- Shape the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty that is about 1/2 inch thick. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the patties: Place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side, until the bottoms are browned and seared. Flip the patties and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
- Toast the buns: While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns until lightly golden. This can be done on the grill, in a skillet, or in a toaster.
- Assemble the cheeseburgers: On the bottom half of each bun, place some lettuce, followed by a slice of tomato and a slice of onion. Add the cheese-topped patty, then any additional toppings like pickles or bacon. Spread ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the top half of the bun.
- Serve: Cap each burger with the top half of the bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade cheeseburger with a side of fries, chips, or a salad.