Introduction
A classic homemade burger is a delight that brings comfort and satisfaction. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create mouthwatering burgers right in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this delicious ground chuck burger recipe will surely please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Ground Chuck
1 pound ground chuck (80%-85% lean)
Kosher or Sea Salt
Kosher or sea salt, to taste
Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
4 slices American or Cheddar cheese
Burger Buns
4 burger buns
Optional Toppings
Condiments of choice (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayo)
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Red onion slices
Pickles
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers
Instructions
1. Place the ground chuck in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Divide the meat into four equal portions.
3. On a plate, gently press each portion into a 1-inch thick, round patty. The patty should have some craggy edges and not be too smooth.
4. Using your thumb or fingers, press a shallow indentation (a “moat”) approximately ¼-½ inch from the edge around the circumference of each patty. Ensure the edge of the burger is slightly higher than the indentation. This helps the burger cook evenly without puffing up.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between each one. There’s no need to grease the skillet.
6. Cook the burgers until they are nicely seared and browned halfway up the sides.
7. Flip the burgers and continue cooking to your desired doneness. For safety, the USDA recommends cooking burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure all bacteria are killed.
8. If adding cheese, remove the pan from the heat and place a slice of cheese atop each burger. Cover the skillet and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
9. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Tips
– Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this releases juices and can result in a drier burger.
– If preparing burgers for a crowd, cook them in batches and keep them warm in a 250°F oven.
Burger Internal Temperature Guide
– Medium Rare: 130-135°F
– Medium: 145°F
– Medium Well: 150-155°F
– Well Done: 160-165°F
Stovetop Burger Cooking Times
– Medium Rare (red in the middle): 6 minutes total (3 minutes on each side)
– Medium (pink in the middle): 7-8 minutes total
– Medium Well (slight pink in the middle): 9 minutes total
– Well Done (no pink): 10 minutes total
Storage
– Store leftover burger patties in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– To freeze, let the patties cool completely, wrap each one separately in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe, resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
– For best results, reheat burgers in a nonstick pan on the stovetop until fully heated through. Adding about 3 tablespoons of water to the pan can create steam, helping to keep the patties from drying out.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Place the ground chuck in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Portion the Meat
Divide the meat into four equal portions.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
On a plate, gently press each portion into a 1-inch thick, round patty. Ensure the patty has some craggy edges and is not too smooth.
Step 4: Create Indentation
Using your thumb or fingers, press a shallow indentation (a “moat”) approximately ¼-½ inch from the edge around the circumference of each patty. Ensure the edge of the burger is slightly higher than the indentation. This helps the burger cook evenly without puffing up.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between each one. There’s no need to grease the skillet.
Step 6: Cook the Burgers
Cook the burgers until they are nicely seared and browned halfway up the sides.
Step 7: Flip the Burgers
Flip the burgers and continue cooking to your desired doneness. For safety, the USDA recommends cooking burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure all bacteria are killed.
Step 8: Add Cheese (Optional)
If adding cheese, remove the pan from the heat and place a slice of cheese atop each burger. Cover the skillet and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Notes
Tip 1: Avoid Pressing Down
Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this releases juices and can result in a drier burger.
Tip 2: Cooking in Batches
If preparing burgers for a crowd, cook them in batches and keep them warm in a 250°F oven.
Internal Temperature Guide
– Medium Rare: 130-135°F
– Medium: 145°F
– Medium Well: 150-155°F
– Well Done: 160-165°F
Stovetop Cooking Times
– Medium Rare (red in the middle): 6 minutes total (3 minutes on each side)
– Medium (pink in the middle): 7-8 minutes total
– Medium Well (slight pink in the middle): 9 minutes total
– Well Done (no pink): 10 minutes total
Storage Instructions
– Store leftover burger patties in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– To freeze, let the patties cool completely, wrap each one separately in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe, resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
– For best results, reheat burgers in a nonstick pan on the stovetop until fully heated through. Adding about 3 tablespoons of water to the pan can create steam, helping to keep the patties from drying out.
Cook techniques
Mixing the Meat
Gently combine ground chuck with salt and pepper, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
Shaping the Patties
Divide the meat into four equal portions and press into 1-inch thick patties with craggy edges for better texture.
Creating an Indentation
Use your thumb to press a shallow moat around the edge of each patty, preventing puffing during cooking for even doneness.
Cooking the Burgers
Sear the patties in a medium-high skillet without grease, allowing space between them for proper cooking.
Checking Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
Melting Cheese
Cover patties with cheese and remove from heat, utilizing residual heat for optimal melting.
Serving
Serve on toasted buns with desired toppings and condiments for flavor enhancement.
FAQ
What kind of meat should I use for burgers?
Ground chuck with 80%-85% lean content is ideal for juicy burgers.
How do I prevent my burgers from getting dry?
Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this releases juices.
What is the best way to store leftover burgers?
Refrigerate patties for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months, wrapping each individually.
How can I reheat leftover burgers without drying them out?
Reheat in a nonstick pan and add a few tablespoons of water to create steam while warming.
What is the recommended cooking time for different burger doneness levels?
Cooking times vary: Medium Rare (6 mins), Medium (7-8 mins), Medium Well (9 mins), Well Done (10 mins).
Conclusion
Grilling up delicious burgers at home is a straightforward and rewarding experience. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create mouth-watering patties that can be customized to suit any palate. Whether enjoyed with classic toppings or boldly varied condiments, these burgers offer a satisfying meal option that appeals to all ages. Don’t hesitate to experiment with cooking techniques and flavors to perfect your burger-making skills!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Bacon Burgers
Add crispy bacon strips atop your burgers before serving and choose an extra slice of cheese for a rich, savory flavor.
BBQ Pineapple Burgers
Top your burger with grilled pineapple, BBQ sauce, and crispy onions for a sweet and smoky twist.
Mushroom Swiss Burgers
Sauté mushrooms and combine them with melted Swiss cheese for an earthy and creamy flavor combination.
Spicy Jalapeño Burgers
Incorporate sliced jalapeños or jalapeño relish into your toppings for an added kick of heat.
Greek Style Burgers
Top with feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and tzatziki sauce for a refreshing Mediterranean flavor.
Avocado and Chipotle Burgers
Add slices of avocado and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a creamy, spicy addition to your burger.
