Master the All-American Classic

Try our expert tips to turn ground beef into a family favorite.

3 Easy Steps to Burgers

Step 1: Lightly shape 1 ½ pounds ground beef into four ¾-inch patties.  Use a gentle touch; over mixing will result in a firm, compact texture.

Step 2: Place patties on grid over medium ash-covered coals.  Grill, uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally with a spatula. Do not press; pressing causes the loss of juices and results in a dry burger.

Step 3: About 2 minutes before burgers are done, place four hamburger buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. Serve burgers in buns.  Top as desired.

Cook's Tip:  Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Build Your Own Burger

Begin with a basic cooked burger as your foundation, then use your imagination to create a masterpiece. Here are some suggestions that will get you started.

Bruchetta Burgers: Toss chopped red and yellow tomatoes with fresh basil and minced garlic. Place burgers on toasted French bread slices and top with tomato mixture.

California Burgers: Garnish burgers with grilled onions, sliced avocados and alfalfa sprouts. Serve between slices of sourdough bread.

Chipotle Burgers: Mash 2 tablespoons canned chipotle peppers with a fork. Stir in ½ cup mayonnaise and spread on toasted buns. Add burgers, tomato slices and pepper jack cheese.

Pepperoni Pizza Burgers: Place burgers on toasted French rolls. Add pizza sauce, pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese.

Reuben Burgers: For each slice of marble rye bread, spread butter on outside surface and Thousand Island dressing on inside surface. Place burgers, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese between two bread slices and cook in preheated nonstick skillet until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.

Tex-Mex Burgers: Spread refried beans on toasted buns and add a sprinkling of crushed corn chips. Top with burgers, cheese slices and salsa.

Worcestershire Burgers: Sauté sliced mushrooms and sweet onions in Worcestershire sauce. Serve burgers open face on toasted English muffins with the mushroom and onion mixture piled high.