Entree: United States – Drive-in hamburger

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 8 min

Total 18 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, formed into four 4 oz (113 g) patties
- 4 hamburger buns, approx. 3 oz (85 g) each
- 4 slices American cheese, approx. 0.7 oz (20 g) each
- 1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil or neutral oil for the griddle
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, softened (for toasting buns)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 4 tsp (20 ml) ketchup
- 4 tsp (20 ml) yellow mustard
- 4 leaves crisp lettuce (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat: Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot; add 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil and spread to coat.
2. Form and season patties: Divide the 1 lb (454 g) ground beef into four equal portions and form into loose 4 oz (113 g) patties about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick; season both sides with 1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt and 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper.
3. Cook patties: Place patties on the hot griddle and cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until a browned crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium (adjust time for desired doneness).
4. Add cheese: During the last 30–60 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cover briefly (use a lid or an inverted pan) to melt.
5. Toast buns and onions: While patties finish, spread 2 tbsp (30 ml) softened butter on cut sides of the buns and toast face-down on the griddle until golden, 30–60 seconds. Sear the thinly sliced onion alongside the patties until softened and lightly charred, if desired.
6. Assemble: On the bottom bun place lettuce (if using), patty with melted cheese, 2 pickle slices, a small spoon of ketchup (about 1 tsp) and mustard (about 1 tsp), and a few grilled onion slices. Top with the bun crown.
7. Serve: Serve immediately while hot with classic sides (fries or chips) as desired. Adjust condiments to taste.