Classic American Cheeseburger (30 Minutes)

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There’s a reason this timeless favorite never goes out of style! Featuring a juicy patty, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, the crunch of onions, and, of course, warm melted cheese, this classic dish will satisfy and delight. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burgers 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 slices of cheese (American, Cheddar, Pepperjack, etc)
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Red onion slices
  • Condiments of choice (ketchup, mustard, mayo)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or stovetop griddle over medium-high heat.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
  4. While the patties cook, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill.
  5. Assemble the cheeseburgers by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, then the cooked patty with melted cheese, followed by a tomato slice, red onion rings, and more lettuce if desired.
  6. Add your preferred condiments on the other half of the bun.
  7. Put the burger together, secure it with a toothpick if needed, and serve immediately.

Notes

To achieve that perfect burger, don’t press down on the patty while cooking—let it sizzle and form a flavorful crust. Customize your burger with condiments, cheese, and veggies that speak to your taste buds. Remember, the key to a juicy burger lies in using ground beef with a bit of fat content. With a hot grill and a dash of patience, you’re in for a taste of nostalgia. Serve with a side of fresh fries or a homemade side salad and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!