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Fourth of July: Classic Beef Burgers

Source of Recipe


Food & Wine, June 2003



List of Ingredients



• ½ pound Colby cheese or mild yellow Cheddar, shredded (about 2 cups)
  
• 2 tsp cornstarch
  
• 1 clove garlic, halved
  
• 1 cup lager
  
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
• ¾ pound ground sirloin, at room temperature
  
• ¾ pound ground chuck, at room temperature
  
• 4 hamburger buns
  
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  
• Vegetable oil, for brushing
  
• 4 Boston lettuce leaves
  
• 4 thin tomato slices
  






Instructions



1. In a small bowl, toss the cheese with the cornstarch. Rub the garlic all over the inside of a medium saucepan, then add the clove to the pan with the lager and bring to a boil. Add the cheese mixture in large handfuls, stirring until melted, and bring to a boil. Add the mustard, season with salt and pepper, and simmer over moderate heat until thickened, about 3 minutes; keep warm over low heat.
   
   
2. In a medium bowl, lightly knead the sirloin with the chuck and loosely form into 4 patties about ¾-inch thick. Season the burgers very generously with salt and pepper, and transfer to a plate lined with plastic wrap. Brush the cut sides of the buns with the melted butter.
   
   
3. Light a grill. When the fire is medium hot, oil the grate. Grill the burgers for about 10 minutes, turning once, for medium meat. Move the burgers away from the heat and grill the cut sides of the buns for about 1 minute, until toasted. Set a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on the bottom half of each bun. Top each with a burger and a generous spoonful of cheese sauce. Cover with the top half of a bun and serve, passing the remaining cheese sauce on the side.
   
   Makes 4 servings.
   
   
   • Make-Ahead:
   The cheese sauce can be refrigerated overnight. Rewarm gently.
   
   • Beer Recommendation:
   An all-American beer with plenty of flavor and zing will cut through the rich cheese sauce that accompanies this basic burger. Samuel Adams Boston Lager is a great option.