Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 pound ground chuck (80%-85% lean)
  • kosher or sea salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 slices American or Cheddar Cheese
  • 4 Burger Buns
  • condiments of choice such as ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Toppings such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.

Instruction

  • Place ground chuck in a medium-size mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Mix gently to combine, but don’t overwork the meat.
  • Divide the meat into four equal portions.
  • Place one portion on a plate and gently press it into a 1-inch, round patty. (The patty should NOT be smooth – leave some craggy edges and don’t press it too flat.)
  • With your thumb or fingers, press a “moat”, approximately ¼-½ inch from the edge, around the circumference of the burger - be sure the edge of the burger is a little higher than the indentation. This will ensure the burger will flatten out while cooking. Repeat this process with each portion.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. When the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet (no need to grease skillet) leaving some space between each patty.
  • Cook the burgers until nicely seared and they have browned halfway up the sides.
  • Flip the burgers and cook to your liking. (*NOTE - To ensure all bacteria has been killed, the FDA recommends cooking burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F.)
  • If adding cheese: remove the pan from the heat and place the cheese atop the burgers. Cover the skillet and allow the residual heat/steam to melt the cheese.
  • Serve on toasted buns topped with your favorite toppings.
  • Enjoy!