Classic Burger
Classic Burger is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Ethan Chlebowski: Into the Multiverse on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 32 min
Cost: $7.51 total, $3.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.45 kg Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, chilled)
- 2 pieces Burger Buns (Soft sandwich buns, toasted lightly before serving)
- 2 slices American Cheese (Standard processed cheese, sliced)
- 0.25 cup White Onion (Thinly sliced)
- 4 leaves Iceberg Lettuce (Thinly sliced or torn)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Full‑fat)
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare the Simple Burger Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Slice Onion and Lettuce
Thinly slice the onion into half‑rings and tear or slice the lettuce leaves into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT4M
Form and Chill Patties
Divide the chilled ground beef into four equal portions (about 113 g each). Lightly shape each into a loose ball; do not over‑work. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 5 minutes while the pan heats.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Skillet
Place the cast iron skillet over medium‑high heat and let it become very hot (about 400°F).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 400°F
Smash the Patties
Place two meat balls in the skillet, leaving space between them. Using the sturdy spatula, press each ball firmly until it is about 1 cm thick. Cook without moving for 2 minutes, then flip, add a slice of American cheese on each, and cook another 1 minute.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 400°F
Toast the Buns
While the second side cooks, split the buns and place the cut sides down on the skillet for 30 seconds until lightly golden.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 400°F
Assemble the Burgers
Spread a generous spoonful of the prepared sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, a cheese‑topped patty, onion rings, then the top bun. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 32 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Egg (mayonnaise), Dairy (American cheese), Gluten (buns)
Last updated: April 20, 2026






