Gourmet Hamburgers

By ccavins

Ingredients

• Spice Mix:
• 24 ounces ground chuck
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Spice Mix, optional (recipe follows)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 slices cheese, such as cheddar, American, Saga blue cheese, and Swiss, optional
• 4 soft hamburger-style buns, split
• 4 slices beefsteak tomatoes, optional
• Assorted lettuces and greens, such as iceberg, romaine, or watercress
• Assorted mustards, such as whole-grained, Dijon, or French's, optional
• Mayonnaise, optional
• Ketchup, optional
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• Hot Sauce, to taste
• Combine all ingredients.

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 25mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a roasting rack on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven. Using your hands, break the meat into small pieces and combine evenly but loosely on a parchment or waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Spread the meat out and season it generously with salt and pepper. If desired, add the spice mix at this time.

Divide the meat into 4 portions (about 6 ounces each). Using your hands, form each portion into a ball-shape by gently tossing it from 1 hand to the other. (Don't over work or press too firmly on the meat.) Gently form each portion into a patty about 3 1/2 inches wide and 1-inch-thick.

Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the oil. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until well-browned, about 2 minutes each side. Using a spatula, transfer the hamburgers to the roasting rack in the oven and continue cooking to desired doneness, 8 to 9
minutes for medium-rare, 10 to 11 minutes for medium, and 13 to 15 minutes for well-done. If you are using the cheese, top the hamburgers during their last couple of minutes of cooking to melt.

Transfer the hamburgers to a plate, let rest for a couple minutes before serving. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns.

Assemble the hamburgers with the condiments and toppings of your choice. Enjoy!!!