Homemade Classic Cheeseburger

A juicy, made-from-scratch cheeseburger featuring a tender seasoned beef patty, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomatoes on a toasted buttered bun.

Ingredients

• 500 g minced beef
• 0.5 cup purple onions
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper powder
• 4 burger buns
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 slices yellow cheese
• 1 cup green lettuce
• 2 tomatoes
• to taste salad dressing
• to taste ketchup

Instructions

1. 1Add purple onions to beef

   

   Add a portion of finely chopped purple onions into the bowl containing the minced beef to build the flavor base for the patties.

   Tip: Finely dicing the onions ensures they distribute evenly throughout the meat mixture.
2. 2Pour in cooking oil

   

   Add a small amount of cooking oil into the bowl of minced beef to help retain moisture and tenderness in the meat during cooking.

   Tip: Just a light drizzle is needed to prevent the lean beef from drying out.
3. 3Add an egg yolk

   

   Introduce a single egg yolk directly into the center of the minced beef and onion mixture to act as a binder.

   Tip: The egg yolk adds richness and helps hold the burger patties together so they dont crumble when cooking.
4. 4Mix the ingredients by hand

   

   Put on a disposable glove and thoroughly combine the minced beef, chopped onions, cooking oil, and egg yolk.

   Tip: Gloving up keeps the process sanitary while allowing you to evenly incorporate all elements.
5. 5Season with salt and pepper

   

   Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the seasoned meat mixture to enhance the savory flavor profile.

   Tip: Season evenly across the surface before the final kneading to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
6. 6Knead the meat mixture

   

   Continue to knead and massage the meat mixture thoroughly by hand to develop texture and ensure the seasonings are completely integrated.

   Tip: Thorough kneading helps the meat bind properly for firm, juicy burger patties.
7. 7Shape the beef mixture

   

   Take portions of the seasoned minced beef mixture and firmly shape them into round balls by hand, ensuring they hold together well before cooking.

   Tip: Wear food-grade gloves to keep your hands clean and prevent the meat from sticking to your skin.
8. 8Arrange the beef balls

   

   Place the newly formed beef balls neatly on a grey baking tray, keeping them spaced apart to prepare them for the next stage of the recipe.

   Tip: Line the tray with parchment paper if necessary to prevent sticking.
9. 9Prepare the fresh vegetables

   

   Display a clear glass bowl filled with freshly washed green lettuce leaves and evenly sliced red tomatoes, ready to be assembled into the burgers.

   Tip: Dry the lettuce thoroughly after washing to keep the burger buns from getting soggy.
10. 10Gather burger ingredients

    

    Slice the burger buns in half and arrange them next to the tray of beef balls, the bowl of lettuce, and the sliced tomatoes to set up an organized assembly station.

    Tip: Ensure all ingredients are within arms reach before you turn on the stove.
11. 11Add butter to the pan

    

    Use a pair of chopsticks to drop a pat of butter into a hot frying pan, allowing it to melt and coat the cooking surface evenly.

    Tip: Make sure the pan is heated properly before adding the butter so it melts quickly without burning.
12. 12Toast the burger buns

    

    Place the burger bun halves face down directly into the melted butter inside the pan, letting them toast until golden brown and fragrant.

    Tip: Keep a close eye on the buns as butter toasts them very quickly.
13. 13Heat oil in the pan

    

    Pour a small amount of cooking oil into a clean frying pan over medium heat, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly.

    Tip: Swirling the oil ensures the entire surface is coated, preventing the burger patty from sticking.
14. 14Fry the beef ball

    

    Place the prepared beef ball into a hot frying pan with a little oil to sear it. Cook until the outer surface begins to brown and sizzle.

    Tip: Ensure the pan is adequately heated before adding the beef ball to achieve a nice sear.
15. 15Place and flatten the beef ball

    

    Place a prepared beef ball directly into the center of the hot frying pan and press it down flat into a patty shape.

    Tip: Pressing firmly right away ensures an even thickness and a great sear across the patty surface.
16. 16Flip the beef patty

    

    Carefully flip the beef patty over in the pan using a spatula to cook the other side and develop an even crust.

    Tip: Look for a well-browned crust on the bottom before flipping to lock in the juices.
17. 17Assemble the burger layers

    

    Layer crisp lettuce leaves, fresh tomato slices, and the freshly cooked beef patty onto the bottom half of a toasted burger bun.

    Tip: Place the lettuce first to create a barrier that keeps the bun from getting soggy from the juicy patty.
18. 18Add sauce to the patty

    

    Squirt salad dressing and ketchup directly over the cooked beef patty to add moisture and tangy flavor before closing the burger.

    Tip: Squeeze the sauces in a zig-zag motion for even distribution across every bite.
19. 19Add lettuce and tomato layers

    

    Place a fresh layer of crispy lettuce and sliced tomatoes over the sauce and previous ingredients to build the burgers texture.

    Tip: Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel if they are too juicy to keep the bun from getting soggy.
20. 20Place the top bun

    

    Finish the assembly of the burger by placing the top sesame seed bun gently over the stacked ingredients.

    Tip: Press down very lightly on the top bun so the burger holds its shape without squishing out the filling.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions