Cheeseburgers are an all-time
American favorite; roadside diners and little Mom-and-Pop eateries
along major traffic routes and state highways made hamburgers
famous even before interstate highways became a norm. Toasted
buns, sweet tomatoes and crisp lettuce are the other major ingredients.
Diner Burgers
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced
1 package hamburger buns
1 head romaine lettuce
1/2 pound tomato, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
- Heat a grill according
to type of grill (allow coals to become white) before cooking.
- Season ground beef with
salt and pepper and divide into 6 equal patties.
- Adjust grill rack to correct
height for cooking on medium-hot.
- Place beef patties onto
a medium-hot grill for about 5 minutes for medium-rare or 7 to
8 minutes for medium, turning twice. During last minute of cooking
(medium-rare or medium) place equal portions of cheese onto meat
patties (for those who want cheeseburgers); allow cheese to soften.
- Meanwhile split hamburger
buns and toast on sides of grill or under broiler.
- Shake or spin excess water
from Romaine leaves; tear or cut leaves as desired.
- Place a patty on each
bun and garnish with a lettuce leaf, tomato and onion.
Makes 6 servings.
