Hamburgers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 leaves lettuce
• 4 slices tomato
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices dill pickles
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Method

1. 1

   Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a shallow dimple in the center of each. Avoid overworking the meat.

2. 2

   Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and black pepper.

3. 3

   Heat a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes.

   2:00 · Heat skillet
4. 4

   Place the patties in the skillet and cook without pressing down, 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.

   4:00 · Sear first side
5. 5

   Flip the patties, top each with a slice of cheddar, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

   3:00 · Sear second side
6. 6

   Transfer the patties to a plate and let rest 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Rest patties
7. 7

   Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in the skillet, cut side down, until golden, about 1 minute.

   1:00 · Toast buns
8. 8

   Spread ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard on the toasted buns.

9. 9

   Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles, then serve immediately.