Hamburgers

This recipe outlines how to make classic hamburgers by gently forming ground chuck patties, searing them for a crust, and finishing them in the oven for perfect doneness. The process emphasizes minimal handling for tender results and includes resting before serving with your choice of toppings.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course lunch/dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 7523.7 kcal

Equipment

1 Large Cast Iron Skillet Essential for searing
1 Baking Sheet For finishing in the oven
1 Roasting rack To lift burgers on the baking sheet
1 Spatula For handling the patties

Ingredients

Main

24 ounces ground chuck
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Spice Mix optional, recipe follows
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 slices cheese such as Cheddar, American, Saga blue cheese, and Swiss, optional
4 soft hamburger-style buns split
4 slices beefsteak tomatoes optional
Assorted lettuces and greens such as iceberg, romaine, or watercress
Assorted mustards such as whole-grained, Dijon, or French's, optional
Mayonnaise optional
Ketchup optional
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
Hot Sauce to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a roasting rack on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven.
Using your hands, break the meat into small pieces and combine evenly but loosely on a parchment or waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Spread the meat out and season it generously with salt and pepper. If desired, add the spice mix at this time.
Divide the meat into 4 portions (about 6 ounces each). Using your hands, form each portion into a ball-shape by gently tossing it from 1 hand to the other. (Don't over work or press too firmly on the meat.) Gently form each portion into a patty about 3 1/2 inches wide and 1-inch-thick.
Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the oil. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until well-browned, about 2 minutes each side.
Using a spatula, transfer the hamburgers to the roasting rack in the oven and continue cooking to desired doneness, 8 to 9 minutes for medium-rare, 10 to 11 minutes for medium, and 13 to 15 minutes for well-done. If you are using the cheese, top the hamburgers during their last couple of minutes of cooking to melt.
Transfer the hamburgers to a plate, let rest for a couple minutes before serving. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns. Assemble the hamburgers with the condiments and toppings of your choice. Serve.
When cooking on a countertop grill, turn on grill, then place burgers on the heated grill.
Timing for a countertop grill:
For Medium-Rare: Cook for 3 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 2 to 3 more minutes.
For Medium: Cook for 4 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 4 more minutes.
For Well: Cook for 5 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 5 more minutes.

Notes

To achieve the best texture, handle the ground meat as little as possible and avoid pressing the patties too firmly, which can result in tough burgers. The searing in the hot cast iron skillet creates a beautiful crust, while finishing in the oven ensures even cooking to your desired doneness. Always rest the burgers for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.