Description
Juicy and flavorful classic stovetop burgers with crispy caramelized edges, made quickly in a hot skillet for a perfect restaurant-style result at home.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if needed)
4 burger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Red onion slices
Pickles
Ketchup
Mustard
Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Gently shape each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick and press a slight indentation into the center.
- Season both sides of the patties evenly with salt and black pepper just before cooking.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes until very hot. If using lean beef, lightly brush the pan with vegetable oil.
- Place the patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between each one. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
- Flip the burgers once and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 160°F). Adjust cooking time as desired.
- If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and briefly cover the pan to melt.
- Remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest for 3–5 minutes.
- Toast the buns in the same skillet if desired. Assemble burgers with preferred toppings and condiments. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
A cast-iron skillet provides the best sear, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work.
Do not press down on the patties while cooking to retain juices.
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze individually wrapped cooked patties for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
