CLASSIC HAMBURGER OR CHEESEBURGER (SALLYE)

CLASSIC HAMBURGER OR CHEESEBURGER (SALLYE) image

Just plain and simply the delicious classic version of an old timey cheeseburger. It will bring back long ago memories of food at the local drive-in where all the teens hung out. Special Note: Have plenty of napkins on hand.

Provided by sallye bates @grandedame

Categories Burgers

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

1-1/2 pound(s) 85/15 ground hamburger meat***
1 teaspoon(s) sea salt
1 teaspoon(s) fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon(s) garlic powder
4 leaves - romaine lettuce
1 large beefsteak tomato
1 medium red onion
To taste - dill pickle hamburger chips
4 slice(s) cheese of your choice (we like provelone)
4 large hamburger buns or kaiser rolls

Steps:

***I grind my own meat. For this recipe, I would either use a chuck roast with some marbling or a sirloin tip roast. Or you can buy already ground sirloin or chuck with 85/15 rating. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/beef/grind-your-own-meat.html?p=1
Wash and tear 4 leaves of romaine lettuce (or shred if you prefer) and set aside. Cut 4 tomato slices to your desired thickness Cut 4 onion slices to your desired thickness Set aside.
Divide meat into 4 equal balls. Hand form into patties large enough to cover the buns (or use method shown in next step) Lay patties on a piece of parchment or waxed paper as you form. Sprinkle each patty with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.
****TIP FOR FORMING PATTIES**** I use two of the heavy flexible cutting sheets that you can buy at Dollar Tree (2 in a pak for $1) I anchor one of the sheets on a dishtowel, then place the balls of meat on it. Then I cover the balls with the other sheet and either use the rolling pin or the heel of my hand to flatten the balls into nicely formed patties between the two sheets.
if you have an electric griddle, this is a good time to use it. Preheat griddle (or large heavy skillet) to medium high heat (375º to 400º). Sprinkle a little salt onto the surface of the griddle or skillet.
When griddle or pan is at correct temperature, slide the patties onto the surface to begin cooking. If you are using an electric griddle, place the patties at the bottom of the cooking surface; you are going to use the top part for the buns.
Place the top part of the buns cut side down on top part of cooking surface of griddle to toast. Put bottom part of bun on the top part of buns.
Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip the patties over.
Place the cheese on top of the meat, and cover with the toasted top part of the bun. Place the bottom part of the bun on the top of cooking surface of the griddle to toast.
Cook for about 3 more minutes until meat is nicely browned and cheese has melted.
Remove to serving plate and add desired condiments. Best served immediately.