The "Original Style" Classic Beef Burger: A Taste of History
Travel back in time with this "original style" classic beef burger recipe. Emphasizing the pure flavor of quality ground beef with minimal seasoning, this recipe captures the essence of early American hamburgers. Discover the simple ingredients and techniques that started it all.
Hamburger Recipes 
This recipe aims to replicate the simplicity of the earliest hamburgers. It focuses on high-quality ground beef and minimal seasoning to let the natural flavor shine through. The emphasis is on the patty itself, served on a plain bun, reflecting the more basic preparations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) high-quality ground beef (preferably chuck, with a good amount of fat, around 80/20)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 simple hamburger buns (without sesame seeds were more common in earlier times)
- Thinly sliced raw onion - OPTIONAL
- Simple mustard - OPTIONAL
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280-330
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 18-23g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g (from the bun)
Directions
1. Handle the Beef Gently
In a bowl, gently break up the ground beef. Avoid overmixing. The goal is to just combine it enough to form patties without making it tough.
2. Form Simple Patties
Divide the beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a simple, round patty, about ¾ inch thick and slightly wider than your buns. Unlike later variations, the early burgers often didn't have the thumb indentation.
3. Season Simply
Just before cooking, season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Keep the seasoning minimal to highlight the beef's natural taste.
4. Cook on a Hot Surface
Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side for medium, or adjust to your preferred doneness.
Skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. You can add a little beef fat rendered from trimming (if available) or a touch of neutral oil. Cook the patties for 4-6 minutes per side for medium.
5. Warm the Buns
Lightly warm the buns, either on the grill for a few seconds or in the skillet where the burgers were cooked. They weren't always toasted in the very early days, just warmed.
6. Assemble the Simple Burger
Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. If desired, add a thin slice of raw onion or a smear of simple mustard. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
