All-American Burgers
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I first came across this recipe for All-American Burgers back in 2009, tucked inside an issue of Family Circle that my mom had saved. It instantly caught my eye as a fresh way to make homemade burgers—and after one bite, it became a keeper. Over the years, it’s earned a spot in our family’s regular rotation, not just for its flavor but also for its simplicity. Best of all, it’s made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
These delectable burgers are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, thanks to a few key ingredients and one simple technique. They’re perfect for summer cookouts and make a festive 4th of July meal—a celebration of everything classic and comforting. And let’s be honest: making your own burger patties from scratch is miles better than those pre-shaped frozen ones at the store.
If you’ve never tried forming your own patties, I highly recommend picking up a patty press—it’s a fun little tool that keeps burgers uniform and makes the process a breeze. Just make sure to choose ground beef with a higher fat content—I always go with an 80/20 ratio for the ideal balance of flavor and moisture. That extra fat gives you beautifully caramelized edges and rich, satisfying bites every time.
Ingredients for All-American Burgers
- HAMBURGER BUNS
- GROUND SIRLOIN, GROUND ROUND, OR GROUND BEEF
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
- GARLIC POWDER
- SALT
- DRIED ITALIAN SEASONING
- GROUND BLACK PEPPER
- AMERICAN CHEESE SLICES
- RED ONION
- TOMATOES
- TOPPINGS – KETCHUP, MUSTARD, MAYO, PICKLES, AND LETTUCE
Instructions for All-American Burgers
Start by prepping your burger mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated—no need to overwork the meat.
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into burger patties. Grill over medium-high heat until the burgers are fully cooked through and beautifully charred on the outside. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of your favorite cheese and let it melt before removing the burgers from the grill.
To assemble, place each patty on a toasted bun, then add classic toppings like sliced onion and fresh tomato. Serve warm with your favorite sides—think chips, pickles, or a simple summer salad. This recipe makes 6 juicy, satisfying burgers that are perfect for any cookout or casual dinner night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ground beef is best for juicy burgers?
Go with an 80/20 blend—that’s 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The higher fat content helps keep the burgers moist and flavorful during grilling.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before grilling.
How do I keep homemade burgers from falling apart?
Mix the beef gently and avoid overworking it. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or an egg yolk can help bind the patties without making them dense.
What’s the best way to season All-American burgers?
Keep it simple! Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of Italian seasoning let the beef shine. Season just before grilling to avoid drawing out moisture.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer—160°F is the safe internal temperature for ground beef. Or press gently in the center; if it springs back, it’s likely done.
What cheese works best for melting on burgers?
American cheese is classic, but cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack are great options depending on your flavor preference.
Can I cook these burgers indoors?
Absolutely! A cast iron skillet or grill pan works beautifully. Just make sure it’s hot enough to sear the patties and lock in juices.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
All-American Burgers
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 ½ pounds ground sirloin or ground round I just used ground beef
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese slices
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes cored and sliced
- topping – ketchup mustard, mayo, pickles, and lettuce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine beef, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and paper.
- Shape into 6 patties and grill until cooked through. Top with cheese slices to melt cheese and remove from grill.
- Transfer patties to buns and top with onion and tomato. Serve with toppings. Serves 6.
