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–+ servings
burger with lettuce, tomato, onions, and condiment
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5 from 1 vote

Perfect Homemade Burger

These homemade burgers are perfect for a nice summer cookout. They come out so juicy and flavorful. Serve with your favorite toppings on sesame buns.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Burgers, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 527kcal
Author: Tania

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 (20 percent fat)
  • Burger seasoning blend
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 sesame burger buns

Toppings and condiments

  • Green leaf lettuce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced onions
  • Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise or your favorite condiments

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If needed, clean the grill grates.
  • Divide the meat into 4 portions and form burger patties, about ½ to ¾ inch thick and slightly larger than the size of the buns (they will shrink when cooking). Make a slight indentation or depression in the center of each patty, and if needed, press around the edges a few times to smooth it out. This will prevent them from puffing up in the center.
  • Season each side of a burger patty with ⅓ teaspoon of my homemade seasoning blend. Alternatively, you can season with salt and pepper only.
  • Grill the burgers: Cook the burgers to your liking. For medium-well, cook about 4 minutes per side, adding the slice of cheese during the last 1 minute. For more cooking times, see the recipe notes below. Tips: Do not press down o the burgers, as this can squeeze out all the juices.
  • Build the burgers. If desired, toast the buns on the grill first. I usually build them in this order: bottom bun, mayo (or any sauce), tomato, onion, lettuce, ketchup and mustard, and the top bun.

Notes

  • Stovetop cooking: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. No need to add oil to the pan. Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes for medium to medium-well. Add cheese during the last minute until melted.
  • How long to cook burgers:
    • Medium-rare: About 2.5 to 3 minutes per side. Internal temp: 130-135 degrees F.
    • Medium: About 4 minutes per side. Internal temp: 140-145 degrees F.
    • Medium-well: About 4.5 to 5 minutes per side. Internal temp: 150-155 degrees F.
    • Well-done: 6 minutes per side. Internal temp: 160 degrees F.
  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag, placing parchment paper in between.
 
Substitutions and variations:
  • Cheese options: Colby Jack, Gouda, American, etc.
  • Bun Choices: Use brioche buns, whole wheat buns, or lettuce wraps.
  • Additional toppings: Avocado, pickles, bacon, sauteed mushrooms
 
Disclaimer: Nutritional values (per serving) are approximates only.

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 464mg | Potassium: 444mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 409IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 4mg