Classic Homemade Hamburger Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese
  • Ketchup, mustard, and pickles to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat a grill or a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
  3. Shape the mixture into four patties, each about 3/4 inch thick.
  4. Cook the patties on the preheated grill or pan for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
  5. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and allow it to melt.
  6. Place each cooked patty onto a hamburger bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, and pickles to taste.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy your hamburger.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Turkey burger instead of ground beef
  • Vegetarian option: Use a veggie burger patty or a portobello mushroom cap
  • Swap the regular hamburger buns for whole wheat buns or brioche buns
  • Add different spices or herbs to the ground beef mixture, such as paprika or oregano
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, like blue cheese or pepper jack
  • Add toppings like bacon, avocado, or caramelized onions
  • Try different condiments such as barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, or chipotle aioli
  • Make it a double or triple burger by adding extra patties and cheese
  • For a healthier option, serve the burger in lettuce wraps instead of buns
  • Grill pineapple slices and add them to the burger for a sweet and tangy twist

Recipe overview

This hamburger recipe is a classic and crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for a family meal or a summer barbecue. You'll be using simple, fresh ingredients to make juicy, flavorful patties topped with cheddar cheese and your favorite toppings. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer your burger with just a bit of ketchup, loaded with veggies, or drenched in tangy barbecue sauce, this recipe has got you covered. Expect to spend about 20 minutes in the kitchen, and then you'll be biting into a delicious, homemade hamburger. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the hamburger patties? - The patties should be cooked for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
  2. Can I use a different type of ground meat? - Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives if you prefer.
  3. Can I cook the patties in the oven instead of on a grill or pan? - Yes, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
  4. Can I freeze the uncooked hamburger patties? - Yes, you can prepare the patties and freeze them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
  5. Can I add other toppings or condiments? - Absolutely! Feel free to customize your hamburger with additional toppings such as bacon, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or any other toppings you enjoy.
  6. Can I make smaller or larger patties? - Yes, you can adjust the size of the patties to your preference. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the patties.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Non-stick Pan - Used to cook the hamburger patties.
  • Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the ground beef and seasonings.
  • Spatula - Used to flip and transfer the patties during cooking.
  • Knife - Used to slice the tomato and onion.

Origin stories

The humble hamburger, a beloved staple of American cuisine, actually owes its origins to German immigrants. The dish was inspired by the "Hamburg Steak" which was popular in the German city of Hamburg in the 18th and 19th centuries. When German immigrants came to America, they brought this culinary tradition with them. However, it was in the bustling food stalls of state fairs and the streets of industrializing American cities that the Hamburg Steak was adapted into the quick, easy-to-eat sandwich that we know today as the classic hamburger. This transformation symbolizes the blending and evolution of culinary traditions that is so characteristic of American cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.