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The Quintessential Old Fashioned Hamburger

There’s a certain kind of hamburger that transcends trends. It’s not about fancy toppings or gourmet buns; it’s about perfectly executed simplicity. I remember summer nights as a kid, the smell of charcoal billowing from my grandfather’s ancient grill, and the anticipation of biting into one of his burgers – juicy, slightly charred, and layered with the crispest lettuce. That burger, built on quality ingredients and a love for the basics, is the inspiration for this recipe: a true old-fashioned hamburger.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Yields: 4 Burgers
Dietary Type: None Specified

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, with lots of fat
Iceberg lettuce
Tomatoes, sliced
Mayonnaise
Yellow onion, sliced
Good quality dill pickle slices
Season-All salt
Kosher salt
Good quality hamburger buns with sesame seeds
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or griddle
Grill
Spatula

Instructions

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, approximately ¼ lb each. Gently shape each portion into a ball, then flatten into patties about ¼ inch thick. Try not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
Generously season the patties with Season-All salt on both sides. This will provide a nice, savory base flavor.
Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onions, sprinkle with kosher salt, and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and nicely browned. The salt helps draw out the moisture from the onions, accelerating the caramelization process. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned beef patties directly onto the grill grates.
Cook the burgers for approximately 3 minutes per side for medium doneness. For a more well-done burger, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the heat of your grill.
After flipping the burgers and cooking for 2 minutes, sprinkle a generous palmful (about ¼ cup) of shredded cheddar cheese over each patty. Continue cooking for another 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the burgers are grilling, prepare the buns. Lightly toast the sesame seed hamburger buns, either on the grill or in a toaster. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the top and bottom halves of each bun.
Assemble the burgers. Place a crisp iceberg lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by slices of tomato and dill pickles.
Carefully slide the cooked cheeseburgers onto the prepared buns, topping them with the sautéed molten-hot onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t be afraid of fat: The higher the fat content in your ground beef, the juicier and more flavorful your burgers will be. An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal.
Handle the meat gently: Overworking the ground beef will result in tough burgers. Mix the seasonings in lightly and form the patties with a gentle hand.
Chill out: Place the formed patties in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before grilling. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from shrinking too much during cooking.
Use a cast iron pan: For an incredible sear, try cooking the patties in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. The even heat distribution and excellent heat retention of cast iron will create a beautifully browned crust.
Cheese Placement: Adding the cheese during the last minute of cooking ensures it melts perfectly without burning.
Caramelizing Onions: Don’t rush the onions! A low and slow cooking process will bring out their natural sweetness and create a rich, caramelized flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your old fashioned hamburger immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. Accompany it with classic sides like french fries, onion rings, or coleslaw. For a refreshing drink, consider iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.

Leftover cooked hamburger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet, microwave, or oven until heated through. The quality of the bun and toppings will degrade more quickly, so it’s best to assemble the burger fresh each time. Assembled burgers are best consumed immediately, but can be refrigerated for a few hours. Reheating assembled burgers will result in a less desirable texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	715 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	474 g	66%
Total Fat	52.7 g	81%
Saturated Fat	25.2 g	126%
Cholesterol	213.6 mg	71%
Sodium	500.6 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	0.7 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0.3 g	1%
Protein	56.2 g	112%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone.
Bun Alternatives: If you prefer a different type of bun, consider brioche, pretzel, or sourdough. For a lower-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a little heat.
Grilled Pineapple: Add grilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist.
Bacon Addition: Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the burger.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based burger patty.
Onion Swap: Use red onions or sweet onions for different flavor profiles.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a leaner ground beef?
A: While you can use leaner ground beef, the burgers will be significantly drier. Consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil per pound of ground beef to help retain moisture.

Q: How do I prevent the burgers from shrinking while cooking?
A: Avoid overworking the meat when forming the patties, and make a small indentation in the center of each patty before grilling. This helps to prevent them from puffing up and shrinking.

Q: Can I cook these burgers indoors?
A: Yes, you can cook the burgers in a cast iron skillet or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Make sure to ventilate your kitchen well, as it may get smoky.

Q: How do I know when the burgers are done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C).

Q: Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This old fashioned hamburger is more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder of simple pleasures and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and focus on proper technique. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the timeless taste of a perfectly cooked hamburger. And if you make this, please let me know what you think in the comments!

Old Fashioned Hamburger Recipe