Backyard Burgers
These juicy, classic backyard burgers are made with high-quality ground beef and a simple seasoning blend that allows the meat's natural flavor to shine. Perfectly grilled and topped with your favorite fixings, they are the quintessential American comfort food.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 24 minutes
- Total time: 44 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Gently shape the ground beef into four 8-ounce patties, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Press a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.
- Season the outside of the patties generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place patties on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Place a slice of cheese on each burger during the last minute of grilling and close the lid to melt.
- Toast the buns on the grill for 1 minute.
- Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Tips
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burger possible.
- Keep the meat cold until the moment you are ready to put it on the grill.
- Let the burgers rest for 2 minutes after grilling so the juices stay inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add ingredients inside the burger?
It is better to keep the patty simple; add onions, herbs, or cheese as toppings to avoid breaking the structure of the meat.
How do I prevent the burgers from shrinking?
Make the patties slightly wider than the buns, as they will shrink during the cooking process.
Can I use a cast iron skillet?
Yes, a cast iron skillet provides a great sear if you cannot use an outdoor grill.