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Piled high burger served with french fries.

Classic American Cheeseburger

Katerina | Diethood
Bite into this delicious and juicy cheeseburger with melted American cheese, fresh tomato, crisp lettuce, onions and lean ground beef. 
Servings : 4 serves
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 98% lean ground beef
  • ½ cup finely diced onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten to break up the yolk
  • 8 American Cheese slices, divided
  • 4 hamburger buns
For Serving
  • ketchup
  • mayonnaise
  • tomato slices
  • red onion, thinly sliced
  • lettuce leaves

Instructions
 

  • Combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and egg; mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Divide the mixture into four equal portions; shape into a patty about 4 inches wide.
  • Preheat a gas grill to 400˚F.
  • Arrange the burgers on the grill, and press down the center of each patty with your thumb to make an indentation. Close the lid.
  • Cook the burgers, turning once, until browned on both sides and no longer pink inside, about 10 minutes.
  • Top each patty with 1 slice of cheese and continue to cook for 1 minute or until the cheese begins to melt.
  • Remove from grill and set aside to rest for at least 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, arrange the buns, cut side down, on the grill, and cook until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
  • Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on the bottom bun.
  • Add the remaining cheese slices over the mayo and ketchup. Then, add lettuce, tomato, the burger patty, and sliced red onion.
  • Top with a bun and serve.

Notes

  • Mix Gently: Combine the meat with the ingredients until just mixed to avoid tough burgers.
  • Indent Patties: Press down the center of the patties before grilling to prevent puffing.
  • Minimal Flipping: Flip burgers only once on the grill to retain juices.
  • Meat Thermometer: Use a thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 160°F to 165°F for safety. Though I advise against it (ground beef is not a steak), if you'd like a medium-done burger, aim for 140 to 145˚F.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let burgers rest for at least 5 minutes post-cooking for juicier results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 burger | Calories: 512 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 39 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Cholesterol: 153 mg | Sodium: 1107 mg | Potassium: 585 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 455 IU | Vitamin C: 3 mg | Calcium: 564 mg | Iron: 5.3 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: American cheeseburger, cheeseburger recipe, perfect cheeseburger recipe