Homemade Hamburger

Here’s a homemade hamburger recipe that covers everything from selecting the ingredients to cooking and assembling your burger. You can customize this base recipe with your own toppings, buns, and sauces.

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🍔 Homemade Hamburger Recipe (4 Servings)

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Beef Patties:

• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef (preferably 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• 1 tsp onion powder (optional)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra umami)

• 1 tbsp cold water (optional, helps keep patties juicy)

For the Buns:

• 4 burger buns (brioche, sesame, potato, or classic)

• Butter for toasting

Toppings (optional but recommended):

• Lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg)

• Tomato slices

• Red onion slices

• Pickles

• Cheese slices (cheddar, American, Swiss)

• Ketchup, mustard, mayo, or burger sauce

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🔪 Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

1. Place the ground beef in a bowl. Avoid over-handling to prevent toughness.

2. Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, water).

3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

4. Divide into 4 equal portions (~125g / 4.4 oz each).

5. Shape into patties about 4–5 inches in diameter and slightly larger than your bun (they shrink while cooking).

6. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb—this prevents puffing up.

Step 2: Prep the Buns and Toppings

1. Slice the buns in half and butter the cut sides.

2. Wash and dry your lettuce and slice tomatoes, onions, and pickles.

3. Set aside your cheese slices and sauces.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Option A: Skillet/Stovetop (Cast Iron Preferred)

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.

2. Add a tiny bit of oil (if your pan isn’t well-seasoned).

3. Place patties in the skillet and cook without pressing down.

4. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium (internal temp ~160°F / 70°C).

5. Add cheese in the last minute and cover to melt.

Option B: Grill

1. Preheat grill to high.

2. Oil the grates lightly.

3. Grill patties for about 3–4 minutes per side.

4. Add cheese in the last minute, close the lid to melt.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. While patties rest for 2–3 minutes, place the buns butter-side down in the pan or on the grill.

2. Toast until golden (1–2 minutes).

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🍽️ Assemble the Burger

1. Bottom bun

   • Spread sauce (mayo, mustard, or special sauce).

   • Add lettuce to act as a moisture barrier.

2. Place the hot beef patty (with cheese, if using).

3. Add tomato slice(s), onion rings, and pickles.

4. Optional: more sauce on the top bun.

5. Top with the bun.

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🔄 Optional Variations

• Stuffed burger: Add a cheese cube or sautéed mushrooms inside the patty before sealing.

• Spicy burger: Add sliced jalapeños or sriracha mayo.

• Smash burger: Use thinner patties smashed on a hot griddle for crispy edges.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based patties like black bean, lentil, or Beyond Meat.

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🍟 Serve With

• French fries

• Onion rings

• Coleslaw

• A cold soda or milkshake