Classic Beef Burger

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbground beef (80/20)$8.90
• 4 eachhamburger buns$3.18
• 4 eachAmerican cheese slices$2.27
• 4 eachiceberg lettuce leaves$0.02
• 4 eachbeefsteak tomato slices$0.45
• 0.5 eachyellow onion slices$0.04
• 0.5 cupdill pickle slices$2.05
• 3 tbspketchup$0.31
• 2 tbspyellow mustard$0.34
• 2 tbspmayonnaise$0.27
• 1 tbspvegetable oil$0.09
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.01
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.07
• Total for 4 servings$18.00

Most of the cost is ground beef (80/20) ($8.90) and hamburger buns ($3.18). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $17.29. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Divide the ground beef (80/20) into four equal portions of roughly 6 ounces each, shape into 1/2-inch thick patties slightly wider than the hamburger buns, and season both sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until shimmering and hot.
3. Add the patties to the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a browned, caramelized bottom crust forms and releases easily.
4. Flip patties and sear for another 3 to 4 minutes until an instant-read thermometer placed in the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C) and juices run clear.
5. Place 1 American cheese slice over each patty during the final minute of cooking, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 1 minute until completely melted, then remove patties to a warm plate.
6. Place hamburger buns cut-side down into the skillet over medium heat and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden-brown and lightly crisp.
7. Spread mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard evenly over the toasted bun halves, then assemble burgers by layering iceberg lettuce leaves, beefsteak tomato slices, cheese-topped patties, yellow onion slices, and dill pickle slices before topping with the remaining buns.