Recipe

Step 1: Preheat barbecue to medium heat.

Step 2: Shape fresh ground chuck into four equal burgers, about 3/4” thick, and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Grill over medium heat until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This should take about 6-8 minutes, flipping just once during cooking. Internal temperature should be 160°F. (Tip: Toast the buns while you’re at it.) Serve with the usual suspects (ketchup, mustard, relish), or switch things up with some of the condiments and toppings listed below:

Trendy toppings:

• sautéed mushrooms
• arugula
• caramelized onions
• smoked bacon
• crumbled blue cheese
• roasted red peppers
• sharp cheddar
• horseradish
• aioli
• mango chutney

Trashy toppings:

• peanut butter
• coleslaw
• fried egg
• grilled salami
• Kraft singles (a perennial fave), or a spritz of cheese-in-a-can (even classier)
• grilled pineapple rings