Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A perfectly cooked, juicy hamburger stacked with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles, all nestled in a lightly toasted bun, ready to be devoured.

The Classic Hamburger (Perfect Every Time)

Juicy, perfectly seasoned thin burgers with a crispy crust and melted cheese, served on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Quick and easy, these burgers are a delicious homemade alternative to fast food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 6-ounce servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef 85/15
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (plus more for the crust)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced both white and green parts
  • 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil if you're using a grill
  • 4 slices cheese choose your favorite—cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or something a little more adventurous.
  • 4 hamburger buns go for your preferred variety, toasted for extra crisp
  • Your go-to condiments, plus lettuce, tomato, and pickles if you’re feeling fancy.

Instructions
 

Season the Beef:

  • Place the ground beef in a large bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Toss in the green onions and gently mix the ingredients together. We’re not making a meatloaf here, so don’t overwork the beef.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Then, gently press each ball into a flat, thin patty—about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  • You can cook them right away, or pop them in the fridge for later.
  • Choose a cooking method!

Cooking Method 1: The Skillet

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with oil.
  • Place the patties in the pan, but don’t crowd them. Let them cook undisturbed for about three minutes. That’s when the magic happens—the crispy, delicious crust forms.
  • Flip the patties, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bottom is nicely browned.
  • Repeat with the remaining patties.

Cooking Method 2: The Grill

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Brush each burger with a little oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  • Place the patties on the grill, and don’t move them around for the first three minutes.
  • Once you flip, add the cheese and grill for 2 more minutes until it’s all melty and perfect.

Assemble and Serve:

  • Toast your buns, because who wants a soggy bun?
  • Add your cooked patties, and then top with your favorite condiments. Lettuce, tomato, pickles—go wild. Maybe a slice of crispy bacon or an avocado, if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
  • In Joy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!