This recipe is a diet buster.  If you’re counting calories, back away now.  Otherwise, here’s my go-to recipe for a burger.  I love a good burger.

 

For the patty:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 80 or 90% lean (your pick…but remember, fat is flavor)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp pepper

4 slices American cheese

 

1. In a large bowl, gently mix the beef, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper with your hands until just combined.  Do not over-mix, unless you want tough burgers.

2. Divide the meat mixture evenly into quarters.  Form four patties, about 1-inch thick and 4-inches in diameter.  Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each patty.

3. Heat the grill or grill pan to high heat, then grease the grate or grill pan with vegetable oil.  Place the patties on the heated surface and cook about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired done-ness.  Each side should have a nice sear.

4. If you are using cheese, place the cheese on the patties the final minute of cooking time.  Remove from heat and assemble the burgers.

 

For the Special Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise, such as Helman’s or Duke’s

1/4 cup ketchup, such as Heinz

1/8 cup yellow mustard, such as French’s

1 Tbsp sweet pickle relish

 

1. Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl to combine.

 

Toppings & Assembly:

Tomato slices

Butterhead lettuce leaves

Dill pickle slices

4 Kaiser rolls, cut in half horizontally

Butter, softened

 

1. Heat the oven to the broiler setting.

2. While cooking the burgers, spread butter on the cut surfaces of the kaiser rolls.  Place the rolls, cut side up, on a baking sheet.  Broil the rolls for 1 minute to toast.  Remove from the oven (unless you want severely burnt bread).

3. Once the burger patties are cooked, begin assembling the burgers: Place lettuce leaves (2-3 depending on size) on the bottom half of each Kaiser roll.  Next, layer 2 tomato slices (per sandwich) on top of the lettuce leaves, followed by sliced pickles, to taste.  Next comes the burger patty.  Finally, spread the top half of each Kaiser roll with a generous helping of the special sauce (or to taste) and place on top of the burger patties.  Serve immediately.

Serves 4

 

🍔 Please note that the burgers can be made in advance and frozen.  I recommend thawing them before cooking, however.  It’s always best to cook meats at room temperature to prevent under cooking.