Classic Grilled Cheeseburger
Thick, juicy grilled beef patties with melted American cheese on toasted sesame buns with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Makes 4.
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A great backyard burger needs only a few things: freshly ground beef with enough fat, gentle handling, a hot grill and a toasted bun. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty so it cooks flat instead of puffing into a ball.
Season only the outside, just before grilling, and flip once.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices American or Cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed buns, split
- Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion and dill pickles
- Ketchup and mustard
Instructions
- Shape. Divide the beef into 4 portions and gently form patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each. Refrigerate until grilling.
- Heat the grill. Heat a grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Grill. Season the patties with salt and pepper. Grill 4 to 5 minutes, flip, top with cheese and grill 3 to 4 minutes more, until 160°F inside.
- Toast the buns. Toast the buns cut side down on the grill for the last minute.
- Build. Set the burgers on the buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and condiments.
Tips
- Do not press down on burgers while they cook; it squeezes out the juices.
- Keep the patties cold until they hit the grill so the fat does not melt out early.
Questions about this recipe
- What temperature should a burger be cooked to?
- Ground beef should reach 160°F in the center.
- How long do you grill burgers?
- About 7 to 9 minutes in total over medium-high heat for 3/4-inch patties.
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