Classic Cheeseburger Recipe

Fire up the grill to make these traditional cheeseburgers for your next backyard bash. The best thing about this recipe is that it’s extremely versatile. In the colder months (or if you prefer not to grill), you can also make these burgers on the stovetop indoors.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound very lean ground beef, or fresh ground sirloin

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

4 slices of reduced-fat cheese

4 whole-wheat hamburger buns

lettuce leaves, optional

mustard, optional

ketchup, optional

barbecue sauce, optional

canola cooking spray

freshly ground pepper

Method

1. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions. Use a patty press (or your hands) to make four burgers. Sprinkle them with pepper and garlic salt.
2. Pan-fry, broil, or grill the burgers, using canola cooking spray to keep them from sticking to the pan or grill. When the burgers are almost cooked through, place the cheese slices on top and finish cooking (30 to 60 seconds). Remove the burgers to the serving plate. If desired, cover the plate with foil to keep the burgers warm and moist.
3. Dress your burger on the bun with the lettuce, sliced tomato and onion, mustard, barbecue sauce, and ketchup as desired.