Description
A classic American cheeseburger featuring juicy grilled 80/20 ground beef patties seasoned to perfection, topped with melted cheddar or American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and a tangy homemade burger sauce, all sandwiched in a soft hamburger bun.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patties
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20) per patty, 2 patties
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Toppings
- 2 medium slices cheddar or American cheese
- 2 ripe tomato slices
- Iceberg or green leaf lettuce leaves
- Thinly sliced onion, about 1/4 cup
- 2 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, sugar, and white vinegar. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Form Patties: Divide ground beef into two equal portions (about 1/2 lb each). Gently shape each into a round, loose patty about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, being careful not to overhandle or compress the meat, which helps retain juiciness.
- Season Patties: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the patties just before cooking to enhance crust formation on the exterior.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to high heat to ensure it is very hot, which will help create a delicious seared crust on the burgers.
- Grill Patties: Place patties on the hot grill. Cook according to desired doneness, using this internal temperature guide: 120°F for rare, 130°F medium-rare, 140°F medium, 150°F medium-well, and 160°F well-done. Flip once halfway through cooking.
- Add Cheese: When the burgers are nearly done, place cheese slices on top and let melt for 1-2 minutes while still on the grill.
- Toast Buns: Optionally, toast the hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread burger sauce on the buns, then layer lettuce, tomato slices, onion, the cheeseburger patty, and top with the bun lid.
Notes
- Do not overhandle the beef when forming patties to keep them juicy.
- Season with salt and pepper just before grilling to promote a better crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast buns on the grill.
- Customize toppings by adding pickles, mustard, or other favorite condiments.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
