Classic Cheeseburger Recipe

Name: Buenos Aires Bakery & Cafes Classic Cheeseburger Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs vegetable oil (or neutral oil); 2 each American cheese slices; 2 each soft burger buns (sesame or plain); 2 tbs mayonnaise; 2 leaves lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg), washed and dry; 1 each tomato; 4 each dill pickle slices (optional); 2 each russet potatoes; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper

Inspired by Buenos Aires Bakery & Cafe

Time45m

Serves2

American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo served with fries

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Ingredients

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Burger

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tbs vegetable oil (or neutral oil)

2 each American cheese slices

Buns & Toppings

2 each soft burger buns (sesame or plain)

2 tbs Mayonnaise

2 leaves lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg), washed and dry

1 each tomato

4 each dill pickle slices (optional)

Fries

2 each russet potatoes

2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Method

Burger

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (~8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a flat patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Season

Season both sides of the patties with the kosher salt (1 tsp total divided) and freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp total) just before cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When the oil is shimmering and the pan is very hot, add the patties. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more for medium (adjust time for desired doneness).

Melt cheese

During the last minute of cooking, lay one slice of American cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or a piece of foil for about 30-60 seconds to help the cheese melt.

Buns & Toppings

Prep buns

While the patties cook, slice the tomato into 1/4 inch rounds (about 3-4 slices). Split the buns and lightly toast them cut-side down in a separate dry skillet or in the oven for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Assemble

Spread about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun and optionally 1/2 tablespoon on the top half. Place a lettuce leaf on the mayo, then set the cheeseburger patty onto the lettuce. Add 2-3 tomato slices on top of the patty and optional dill pickle slices. Close the burger with the top bun and serve immediately.

Fries

Prep potatoes

Peel the russet potatoes if desired and cut into 1/4 to 1/3-inch sticks for classic fries. Rinse the cut fries under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Fry

Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 325°F (160°C) for the first blanch. Fry the potato sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched fries again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.

Season fries

Drain the hot fries on paper towels, immediately season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, tossing to coat. Serve alongside the cheeseburgers.