The Classic Burger

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lean (7% fat) beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup fine dried bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
• 1 or 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• About 1/2 teaspoon salt
• About 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 hamburger buns (4 in. wide), split
• About 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• About 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 iceberg lettuce leaves, rinsed and crisped
• 1 firm-ripe tomato, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 thin slices red onion

Preparation

1. 1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, onion, bread crumbs, Worcestershire, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until well blended. Divide mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 4 inches wide.
2. 2. Lay burgers on an oiled barbecue grill over a solid bed of hot coals or high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook burgers, turning once, until browned on both sides and no longer pink inside (cut to test), 7 to 8 minutes total. Remove from grill.
3. 3. Lay buns, cut side down, on grill and cook until lightly toasted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. 4. Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on bun bottoms. Add lettuce, tomato, burger, onion, and salt and pepper to taste. Set bun tops in place.