A classic burger with a juicy, well-seasoned beef patty, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a simple burger sauce on a toasted bun. It's the kind of straightforward, satisfying burger that doesn't need anything fancy to be really good.
⏱ Time: 15 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
⭐ Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese (If wanted)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4–8 leaves crisp lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ¼ small onion, thinly sliced
- Dill pickles, optional
Burger Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape each portion into a patty slightly wider than the hamburger buns. Don't overwork the meat.
- Season both sides of each patty with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each burger. Cover the skillet or grill briefly to help the cheese melt.
- While the burgers cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and garlic powder.
- Slice the buns in half and toast them cut-side down in the skillet or on the grill until lightly golden.
- Spread the burger sauce over the toasted buns.
- Layer each burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, the cheesy beef patty, and pickles if using.
- Place the top bun over each burger and serve immediately.
Quick Notes
- 80/20 ground beef gives you the juiciest, most flavorful burgers.
- Don't press down on the patties while they cook. You'll squeeze out the juices that keep the burgers moist.
- Shape the patties slightly wider than the buns because they will shrink as they cook.
- Toasting the buns makes a surprisingly big difference and keeps them from getting soggy.
- American cheese gives you that classic diner-style burger, while cheddar adds a sharper flavor.
- Add sliced avocado, bacon, caramelized onions, or jalapeños if you want to switch things up.
- Serve with crispy fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for an easy dinner.