HEARTY HAMBURGERS

Hearty Hamburgers image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
Crumbled blue cheese, (optional)
Light olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Thinly sliced cheddar cheese, (optional)
4 buns
Unsalted butter, room temperature, for buns
Sliced onion, (optional)
4 to 8 slices cooked bacon, (optional)
Sliced tomatoes, (optional)
Lettuce, (optional)
Ketchup, (optional)
Mustard, (optional)
Mayonnaise, (optional)
Relish, (optional)

Steps:

Divide sirloin into four equal portions, and form patties, each about 1 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. Be careful not to overhandle the meat, which compresses and toughens it. Place a small amount of blue cheese in the center of each patty, if desired. Rub patties lightly with a very small amount of olive oil.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Place patties in skillet, and cook for 4 minutes. Turn, and season with salt and pepper. Top with cheese, if desired, cover, and cook 3 minutes more for medium-rare.
Meanwhile, slice open buns, and toast them; spread with butter, if desired. When burgers are done, serve on toasted buns with any combination of the following: onions, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish.