Hamburger Recipe

Divide and form

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz / 113 g each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce dome‑shaping as they cook.

Season

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, brush or mix 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce into each patty or lightly brush the outside before cooking.

Preheat pan or grill

Heat a heavy skillet or nonstick pan, or preheat a grill, over medium‑high heat until hot (about 3–5 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan and swirl to coat if using a skillet.

Cook patties

Place patties on the hot surface, leaving space between them. Cook without moving: about 3–4 minutes on the first side for medium (longer for well done, shorter for rare). Flip once and cook another 3–4 minutes. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last 1 minute of cooking and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt.

Toast buns

While patties cook, spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the buns. Place buns butter‑side down on a separate skillet, on the grill grates, or on a sheet pan under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and lightly toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Prepare toppings

Core and slice the tomato into 4 even slices. Peel and thinly slice the red onion into rings. Rinse and dry 4 leaves of lettuce. Have 2 pickle slices ready per burger.

Spread condiments

Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on the top bun and 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on the bottom bun (or spread mayonnaise on one side and ketchup/mustard on the other, according to preference). Add 1 teaspoon ketchup and 1/2 teaspoon mustard per burger as desired.

Assemble burgers

Place the cooked patty (with cheese if used) on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, a few onion rings, and 2 pickle slices. Place the top bun over the toppings.

Serve the hamburgers immediately while hot with fries, chips, or a side salad. Provide extra condiments on the side if desired.

Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.