#1 Recipe

Form Patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over it. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until spices are evenly distributed—do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and form each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the bun/plate so they shrink into shape while cooking.

Cook Patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When oil is shimmering, add patties (do not crowd). Cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium (adjust 1-2 minutes for rarer or longer for well-done). Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for well-done or 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare/medium depending on desired doneness. Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Prepare Pan

In a separate large nonstick or cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat until butter is melted and foaming.

Cook Hash Browns

If using optional onion, add chopped onion and cook 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the thawed, well-drained hash browns and spread into an even layer. Press down gently with a spatula. Cook undisturbed 5-7 minutes until the underside is deeply golden and crisp. Season the top with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Flip in sections (or flip whole if confident) and cook another 4-6 minutes until the other side is golden and potatoes are cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate and keep in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if needed.

Fry Eggs

Wipe out or use a clean nonstick skillet and set over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and let it melt, swirling to coat. Crack two eggs into a small bowl and gently slide into the pan (or crack directly into pan). Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. For sunny-side-up: cook slowly 3-4 minutes until whites are set and edges are slightly crisp; cover the pan for 30–60 seconds if the tops need setting. For over-easy: cook 2-3 minutes, then gently flip and cook 15–30 seconds more for runny yolks. Remove eggs with a thin spatula and place on plate alongside hash browns and patties.

Toast Bread

Toast 2 slices of bread in a toaster or under a broiler until golden to your preference (about 1–2 minutes). Spread 1 tablespoon butter over the hot toast so it melts in. Optionally cut diagonally.

Arrange one or two steak patties on each plate with two eggs, a generous portion of hash browns, and two slices of buttered toast. Serve ketchup and hot sauce on the side. If patties were tented, slice them open to release juices onto the plate. Serve hot.