Ultimate Burgers Recipe | Myrecipes

In a large bowl, lightly season ground meat with salt and pepper if you like (optional) and mix in gently with your hands. To shape the burgers, take about 1/8 of meat and form it into a meatball; then flatten it a between your hands until it's about 1/2 in. thick. Turn the patty on your palm while firming up its edges with the thumb and forefingers of your other hand (your goal is to get rid of a crumbly edge). Repeat with remaining meat. Let burgers rest at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Prepare a gas or charcoal grill for high heat (450 ° to 550 °; you can hold your hand 5 in. above grate level only 2 to 4 seconds). Wipe grate with oiled paper towels. Sprinkle burgers with salt and pepper (especially if you chose not to season the meat in Step 1). Grill burgers 4 to 6 minutes, turning once, for rare*, topping with cheese during the final minute or two. Transfer burgers to a plate. Clean grate with oiled paper towels. Toast buns on grill 1 minute and serve with burgers. *For a medium to well-done burger, cook over medium-high heat (about 450 °) for 10 minutes total; cut to check doneness.