All American Burger Recipe

Prepare patties

Divide the 1 lb ground Angus into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty roughly 4-5 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook flat. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. If using, brush or mix 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce into the meat before forming.

Preheat pan or grill

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–5 minutes). If using a skillet, add a light film of oil or nonstick spray.

Cook patties

Place patties on the hot surface. For medium doneness, cook 3–4 minutes per side without pressing down. For well-done, cook 5–6 minutes per side. Avoid pressing so juices are retained. When patties are almost done (last 30–60 seconds), place cheese slices on top of each patty and cover the pan or close the grill to melt the cheese.

Toast buns

While the patties rest (2–3 minutes), spread 1 tsp softened butter on the cut sides of the 2 buns. Toast them in a separate skillet or on the grill for 1–2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp.

Assemble burgers

On each bottom bun, spread 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional), then place lettuce leaf, a cheeseburger patty, 2 bacon slices, tomato slice(s), and red onion rings. Add pickles if desired. Drizzle ketchup (1 tbsp per burger) and mustard (1/2 tsp per burger) on the top bun, then close and serve immediately.

Prepare potatoes

Wash and peel the 2 russet potatoes if desired. Cut into 1/3-inch to 1/4-inch matchstick fries. Place cut fries into a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp.

Dry and season

Drain the soaked potatoes and pat thoroughly dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Toss with a light coating of oil (if baking: 1–2 tbsp; if frying: no need to toss) and season with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika (optional).

Cook fries - frying method

Heat about 1 cup vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined tray and immediately season with a pinch more salt. Drain between batches. Total frying time per batch ~3–4 minutes.

Cook fries - oven-baked method

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the oiled and seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crisp. For extra crispness, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

Serve fries

Transfer fries to a serving bowl or basket and season to taste with additional salt. Serve hot alongside the assembled burgers.