For our favorite burger recipe, we keep it simple and use quality meat, salt, and pepper. When forming the hamburger patties, be careful not to overwork the mixture since this can make the burgers tough when cooked.
1 pound (450g) ground beef chuck or round
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Butter, as needed
Take the beef from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before forming the patties.
Form the beef into three 5 to 6 ounce hamburger patties.
Use your thumb to imprint a shallow dimple into the middle of each burger. (This prevents the middle from puffing up while cooking.)
Season both sides of the hamburgers with salt and pepper.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook hamburger patties on each side for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on how well you like it (140°F for medium, 160°F for well done).
Rest the burgers covered loosely with aluminum foil for 5 minutes, then serve on a buttered bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion (or how you like it).