Gather your ingredients, including ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend), salt, pepper, hamburger buns, and your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, and condiments.
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Properly preheating ensures a nice sear on the burgers, locking in the juices and flavor.
Divide the ground beef into equal portions, typically around ¼ to ⅓ pound each. Gently shape each portion into a patty, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can result in tough burgers.
Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or spices to taste, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
Place the seasoned patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium doneness, depending on your preference. Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula, as this can release juices and dry out the meat.
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a separate skillet until golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a delicious crunch and helps prevent them from getting soggy from the burger juices.
Once the patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a minute. Then, assemble your burgers by placing the patties on the toasted buns and adding your favorite toppings.
Serve your homemade burgers immediately while they're hot and juicy. Enjoy them with a side of fries, potato salad, or coleslaw for a classic and satisfying meal.