Hamburgers

Ingredients

• 4 slices beefsteak tomatoes 
• 4 servings pepper black freshly ground
• 4 slices cheese blue such as cheddar, american, saga cheese, and swiss, optional
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder 
• 4 servings lettuces and greens such as iceberg, romaine, or watercress assorted
• 24 ounces ground beef 
• 4 servings hot sauce to taste
• 4 servings catsup 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 4 servings mayonnaise 
• 2 teaspoons onion powder 
• 4  buns split hamburger-style soft
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce 
• 4 servings mustards such as whole-grained, dijon, or french's, optional assorted
• 4 servings mustards such as whole-grained, dijon, or french's, optional assorted

Equipment

• frying pan
• baking sheet
• oven
• grill
• aluminum foil
• spatula

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Place a roasting rack on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven.
3. Using your hands, break the meat into small pieces and combine evenly but loosely on a parchment or waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
4. Spread the meat out and season it generously with salt and pepper. If desired, add the spice mix at this time.
5. Divide the meat into 4 portions (about 6 ounces each). Using your hands, form each portion into a ball-shape by gently tossing it from 1 hand to the other. (Don't over work or press too firmly on the meat.) Gently form each portion into a patty about 3 1/2 inches wide and 1-inch-thick.
6. Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the oil.
7. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until well-browned, about 2 minutes each side.
8. Using a spatula, transfer the hamburgers to the roasting rack in the oven and continue cooking to desired doneness, 8 to 9 minutes for medium-rare, 10 to 11 minutes for medium, and 13 to 15 minutes for well-done. If you are using the cheese, top the hamburgers during their last couple of minutes of cooking to melt.
9. Transfer the hamburgers to a plate, let rest for a couple minutes before serving. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns. Assemble the hamburgers with the condiments and toppings of your choice.
10. Serve.
11. When cooking on a countertop grill, turn on grill, then place burgers on the heated grill.
12. For Medium-Rare: Cook for 3 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 2 to 3 more minutes.
13. For Medium:Cook for 4 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 4 more minutes.
14. For Well:Cook for 5 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 5 more minutes.
15. Combine all ingredients.