Martina McBride’s All-American Burger (Just in Time for July Fourth)
Reprinted with permission from Around The Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year by Martina McBride (William Morrow).
Photographs by Jason Wallis
All-American Backyard Burger
Serves 10 to 12
It’s no secret I love a good cheeseburger. While there are all kinds of fancy additions and uptown ways to do it, the classic ground beef burger with simple toppings is still my favorite. This is the kind of burger we had growing up and it’s the kind my dad still grills on the Fourth. Feel free to double this recipe if you have more guests. The spinach is totally optional. I like it because it makes the burgers moist and boosts their nutritional value. If you think your guests (especially the kids) are going to freak out over something green in their burger, just chop it really, really fine. They’ll never know … it can be our little secret.
5 pounds ground chuck (at least 80 percent lean)
3 cups finely chopped spinach (optional)
1 cup chopped sweet onion
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for the grill
12 cheese slices (American, Monterey Jack, pepper jack)
12 hamburger buns
Toppings:
Applewood-smoked bacon slices, cooked and halved
Tomato slices
Green leaf lettuce leaves
White onion slices
Dill or sweet and spicy sliced pickles (I like Wickles Pickles brand)
Ketchup
Yellow mustard
Mayonnaise
Preheat the grill to medium-high. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, spinach, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 teaspoons each of the salt and pepper.
Divide the meat equally into 12 portions and form into patties about 1 inch thick. Season both sides of the patties lightly with salt and pepper.
Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil and place the patties on the grates. Grill the patties for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and grill 4 minutes more for medium. Place a slice of cheese on top of the patties and cook an additional 1 minute, or until melted. Toast the buns (if desired), cut sides down, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly toasted.
Serve burgers with desired toppings.
To keep the party going, check out Martina McBride on tour or view her latest video “Come See About Me” below:
