Burger & Chips Recipe

Form patty

Place the 0.25 lb ground beef in a bowl. Season with 0.25 tsp salt and 0.125 tsp black pepper. Gently mix just until combined—do not overwork. Shape into a small, flat patty about the diameter of the bun and about 1/2 inch thick.

Toast bun

Spread 0.5 tsp softened butter on the inside cut faces of the hamburger bun. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and toast the bun, buttered sides down, for about 30–45 seconds until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Cook patty

Heat the same skillet over medium-high. When hot, add the patty and cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook another 1.5–2 minutes for a medium-well kid-friendly doneness (internal temp ~160°F / 71°C). Place 0.5 slice mild cheddar on top of the patty during the last 30 seconds so it melts.

Assemble burger

Mix 1 tsp ketchup with 0.5 tsp mayonnaise and spread on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy patty on the bun, add a pickle slice if using, and cap with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.

Cut potato

Wash and scrub the 0.5 medium russet potato. Leave the skin on for texture. Cut the potato into thin sticks about 1/4 inch thick and roughly 2 inches long to make kid-sized fries.

Toss and season

Place the cut fries in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tsp vegetable oil, sprinkle 0.25 tsp salt and 0.125 tsp paprika (if using). Toss until evenly coated.

Bake

Arrange fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps so they crisp. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and tender. For extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.

Finish

Remove fries from oven, taste and add a light pinch of additional salt if needed. Serve warm alongside the burger with extra ketchup for dipping if desired.

Arrange 3 baby carrot sticks on the plate as a vegetable option. Place the pickle slice on or beside the burger. Serve immediately so the burger is warm and the fries are crisp.