Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Burger
Toppings (optional / kid-style)
French fries
Method
Burger
- 1
Form patty
Gently shape the 1/4 lb ground beef into a patty about 3.5–4 inches wide and roughly 1/2 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb so the patty cooks evenly.
- 2
Season
Season both sides of the patty with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper just before cooking.
- 3
Cook patty
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot (about 2 minutes). Place the patty in the skillet and cook 2.5–3 minutes on the first side without moving, until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 1.5–2 minutes on the other side for a kid-friendly medium-well. In the last 30 seconds of cooking, place 1 slice of American cheese on top of the patty and cover the pan with a lid or foil to melt the cheese.
- 4
- 5
French fries
- 6
Prep potato
Wash and peel the 1/2 medium russet potato (peeling optional for kids). Cut into 1/4–1/3 inch thick sticks. Pat the cut fries dry with a paper towel to remove surface moisture — this helps them cook crisp.
- 7
Cook fries
For a quick kid-size pan-fry: heat 2 tbs vegetable oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add the cut potatoes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook without stirring for 3–4 minutes to brown one side, then use a spatula to turn and continue cooking 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fries are golden and tender all the way through. Total pan-cook time ~7–10 minutes depending on thickness. Reduce heat slightly if they brown too quickly.
- 8
Season & drain
Transfer cooked fries to a plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt while still hot and toss gently. Serve alongside the cheeseburger.