Ingredients
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio works well)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce
– Tomatoes
– Cheese (optional)
– Pickles
– Ketchup
– Mayonnaise
Instructions
1. Prepare the grill or grill pan: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
2. Mix the meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Form the patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a patty about 3/4-inch (2cm) thick.
4. Grill the patties: Place the patties onto the preheated grill or grill pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Assemble the burgers: Once the patties are cooked, assemble the burgers by spreading a slice of cheese (if using) on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Top with the top bun.
Tips
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your burgers.
– Don’t press down: Resist the temptation to press down on the patties with your spatula while they’re cooking, as this can squeeze out juices and make the burgers dry.
– Let it rest: Once the patties are cooked, let them rest for a minute or two before assembling the burgers. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the burgers more tender and flavorful.