Classic Homemade Hamburgers: Perfectly Grilled, Juicy and Flavorful

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 4 tablespoons mustard
  • 4 slices of pickles

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
  2. Shape the mixture into four patties.
  3. Heat a grill or a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Place the patties on the grill or pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-well burgers. Adjust cooking time if you prefer your burgers more or less cooked.
  5. Place a slice of cheese on each burger during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt slightly.
  6. While the burgers are cooking, spread mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard on the insides of the buns.
  7. When the burgers are done, place each one on a bun.
  8. Top each burger with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, a slice of onion, and a pickle slice.
  9. Place the other half of the bun on top, press down slightly, and serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Grill or Frying Pan - Needed to cook the burgers.
  • Large Bowl - Used to mix the ground beef and other ingredients.
  • Spatula - Used to flip and remove the burgers from the grill or pan.
  • Knife - Needed to chop onions, mince garlic, and slice tomatoes.
  • Cutting Board - Used as a surface to chop and slice ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Required to measure salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Grill Tongs - Optional, but helpful for handling the burgers on the grill.
  • Plate - Used to transfer the cooked burgers onto.
  • Burger Press (optional) - Helps shape the ground beef into uniform patties.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based burger patty.
  • Cheese Selection: Experiment with different types of cheese such as blue cheese, pepper jack, or Swiss.
  • Seasoning Variations: Add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to the burger mixture for added flavor.
  • Bun Alternatives: Use whole wheat buns, pretzel buns, or brioche buns instead of regular hamburger buns.
  • Toppings: Try different toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, avocado slices, or bacon.
  • Sauce Options: Replace the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard with barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli.
  • Slider Version: Make mini-sized burgers by shaping smaller patties and using slider buns.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free burger buns or wrap the burger in a lettuce leaf for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.

Recipe overview

Get ready to enjoy a classic, juicy, home-cooked hamburger with this easy recipe. This all-American delicacy consists of a well-seasoned beef patty sandwiched between two soft buns and garnished with fresh vegetables and condiments. The beauty of this hamburger recipe lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors achieved from the combination of savory ground beef, tangy pickles, sweet and spicy ketchup, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or stick to the basics – either way, you're in for a treat. Ideal for a family dinner or summer barbecue, this recipe takes you through the process step by step, ensuring you get perfect burgers every time. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How do I know when the burgers are cooked? - Cook the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-well doneness. If you prefer your burgers more or less cooked, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? - Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Cheddar cheese is commonly used, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, American, or pepper jack.
  3. Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce? - Worcestershire sauce adds a nice depth of flavor to the burgers, but if you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe.
  4. Can I grill the burgers instead of using a pan? - Yes, you can grill the burgers instead of using a pan. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
  5. What can I serve with the hamburgers? - You can serve the hamburgers with a side of fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or a green salad. It's also common to serve them with condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Frying Pan - Used for cooking the burgers.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping the burgers on the grill or pan.
  • Cutting Board - Used for chopping onions and slicing tomatoes.
  • Chef's Knife - Used for chopping onions and slicing tomatoes.
  • Mixing Bowl - Used for combining the ground beef with the other ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Grill Tongs - Used for handling the burgers on the grill.
  • Butter Knife - Used for spreading condiments on the buns.
  • Plates - Used for serving the cooked burgers.
  • Napkins - Used for cleaning hands and wiping any spills.

Origin stories

The hamburger, as we know it today, is generally attributed to the United States, but its origins trace back to the Mongols in the 13th century, who stashed raw beef under their saddles to tenderize it. This idea was carried to Moscow and became known as "steak tartare." When German immigrants began arriving in America, they brought with them the "Hamburg steak", a ground beef dish named after the German city of Hamburg. The dish was a hit, and it wasn’t long before the Hamburg steak evolved into the hamburger we know and love today. In 1904, the hamburger made its first public appearance at the St. Louis World’s Fair. Now, the hamburger is one of America's most iconic foods, celebrated in backyard barbecues and gourmet restaurants alike.

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.