Hamburger For One

5 from 3 votes

This easy recipe shows how to make the best stovetop burger. No need for fancy ingredients, this simple hamburger recipe is all you need!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Resting Time5

Total Time20

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Lactose

Keyword: burger, cheeseburger, ground beef, ground meat, hamburger, skillet burger, stovetop burger

Servings: serving

Author: Joanie Zisk

6 ounces ground beef (Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burger. 85% lean works too, but avoid anything leaner than 90% or the burger may be dry.)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
½ tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 hamburger bun
Burger toppings: Sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard, bacon, BBQ sauce.

Place the ground beef on a plate and gently form it into a 1-inch thick disk, slightly wider than your bun. Press a small indentation into the center with your fingers. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Add oil to a medium skillet and heat over medium-high. A cast iron skillet works well, but non-stick or a griddle are also fine.
When the pan is hot (you should hear a sizzle), place the patty in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook another 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Transfer the patty to a plate and top with cheese, if using. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Place the patty on the bun, add your favorite toppings, and top with the other half of the bun.

Handle Gently: Form patties with minimal handling to keep them juicy. Slightly uneven edges help create a better sear.
Expect Shrinkage: Burgers shrink about 20% when cooked, so shape them slightly larger than the bun.
Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer. Cook to 160°F and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Toast the Bun: After cooking the burger, toast the bun halves in the same pan to add crispiness and flavor.
Scale the Recipe: Double or triple the ingredients to make more burgers.
Storing Leftovers: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Burger Cooking Times

Medium-Rare (red in the middle): 6 minutes total - 125-130 degrees F / 51-54 degrees C
Medium (light pink in the middle): 7 to 8 minutes total - 135-140 degrees F / 57-60 degrees C
Medium-Well (brown with a hint of pink in the middle): 9 minutes total - 145-150 degrees F / 62-66 degrees C
Well Done (brown center, no pink): 10 minutes total - 150-160 degrees F / 66-71 degrees C

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