Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Hamburgers on the Stove:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

• Ground beef (80% lean is ideal for juicy burgers)

• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

• Hamburger buns

• Optional toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)

2. Form the Burger Patties:

• Divide the ground beef into even portions (about 4-6 ounces per patty).

• Gently shape each portion into a round patty, about 1 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up in the middle.

3. Season the Patties:

• Generously season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. You can add additional seasonings if you like, such as garlic powder or onion powder.

4. Heat the Skillet:

• Place a heavy skillet (cast iron works great) on the stove over medium-high heat.

• Let the pan heat up for a few minutes until it’s hot.

• You can add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking, but it’s optional since the fat from the beef will help grease the pan.

5. Cook the Patties:

• Place the seasoned patties in the hot skillet. Cook them without moving for 3-4 minutes on the first side to get a nice sear.

• Flip the patties using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, depending on your desired doneness:Rare: 120°F (49°C)
  Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
  Medium: 140°F (60°C)
  Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
  

6. Add Cheese (Optional):

• If you’re making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to the top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt quickly.

7. Toast the Buns (Optional):

• While the burgers are cooking, you can toast your hamburger buns in the same skillet or in a separate pan.

• Spread a little butter on the cut side of each bun and place them in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

8. Assemble the Burgers:

• Once the burgers are done, place each patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.

• Add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo.

• Place the top half of the bun on the burger.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the hamburgers immediately with your favorite sides like fries, chips, or a salad.

Tips:

• Don’t Press the Patties: Avoid pressing down on the burgers while they cook, as this squeezes out the juices and makes the burgers less flavorful.

• Let the Patties Rest: Allow the cooked patties to rest for a minute or two before assembling the burgers to let the juices redistribute.

• Add Flavor: You can mix minced garlic, onions, or Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef before forming the patties for extra flavor.