Juicy Classic Hamburger

Ingredients

• Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Hamburger buns (4, preferably brioche or sesame seed)
• Lettuce (4 leaves, iceberg or romaine)
• Tomato (1 large, sliced)
• Red onion (1 small, sliced)
• Pickles (4 slices)
• Mustard (to taste)
• Ketchup (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill or stovetop griddle to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
4. Place the patties on the grill or griddle and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare is typically about 130-135°F).
5. While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
7. Top with a leaf of lettuce, a slice of tomato, a few rings of red onion, and a slice of pickle.
8. Spread ketchup and mustard generously on the top half of each bun.
9. Cover the burgers with the top bun and serve immediately with your favorite sides.