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The Ultimate Hamburger

This ultimate beef burger is a high-protein classic that focuses on quality ingredients and simple techniques to deliver maximum flavour. By using a blend of minced chuck and sirloin, you achieve a superior texture and a rich, savoury profile that shop-bought patties simply cannot match. The addition of a pressed onion wedge provides a subtle sweetness as it caramelises against the heat of the grill.

Ideal for a weekend barbecue or a substantial midweek meal, these burgers are served on toasted sandwich bread for a nostalgic, rustic touch. Pair them with a homemade cheese sauce and crisp lettuce for a satisfying balance of textures. Whether you are cooking for a family gathering or looking for a reliable protein-packed dinner, this recipe delivers a professional result every time.

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Ingredients for The Ultimate Hamburger

  • 575g ground chuck

  • 575g ground sirloin

  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper

  • N/A freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 medium-size onion, cut into 8 thin wedges

  • 16 slices sandwich bread

  • 45ml butter, melted (optional)

  • 1 large or 2 medium-size gorgeous, luscious, ripe red tomatoes, thinly sliced

  • 8 Boston lettuce leaves or iceberg lettuce slices

  • Cheese Sauce (optional)

  1. Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to high.

  2. Place the chuck and sirloin in a large mixing bowl and mix with a wooden spoon, or mix the meat in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. If possible, avoid mixing the meat with your hands so your fingers don't warm it.

  3. Wet your hands with cold water and divide the meat into 8 equal portions. Working quickly and with a light touch, pat each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick squarish patty. Generously season each patty on both sides with salt and pepper. Press an onion wedge into one side of each patty so that it's flush with the meat.

  4. Lightly brush the bread slices with the butter, if using. Arrange the tomatoes and lettuce leaves on an attractive serving platter.

  5. When ready to cook, brush and oil the grill grate. Place the burgers on the hot grate, onion side down. Grill the burgers until cooked to taste, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. To test for doneness, insert an instant-read meat thermometer through the side of a burger into the centre. The internal temperature should be about 63°C for medium-rare or, if using commercial beef mince, cook it to at least medium, 71°C.

  6. Meanwhile, place the bread slices on the hot grate and grill until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

  7. To serve, place a lettuce leaf on top of a slice of toast. Top with a burger, tomato slice, and Cheese Sauce , if using. Slap a piece of toast on top and serve at once.

Avvertenza

Sebbene sia stato fatto ogni sforzo per garantire che le informazioni siano accurate e aggiornate, le esigenze individuali possono variare e i requisiti dietetici possono differire in base alle condizioni di salute personali. Controlla sempre le etichette degli alimenti e le informazioni sugli allergeni prima di preparare o consumare qualsiasi ricetta. Se hai preoccupazioni specifiche per la salute, allergie, intolleranze o stai seguendo una dieta prescritta dal medico, consulta il tuo medico di base, farmacista o un dietista registrato prima di apportare cambiamenti significativi alla tua dieta o stile di vita.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Gen 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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