1. Preheat the barbecue grill. Toast both halves of the hamburger buns in a hot skillet. Set aside.
2. Divide the ground beef into quarter-pound portions, and form into thin patties slightly larger than the bun. Season the hamburger patties with salt and pepper, then cook on the grill according to desired doneness. (about 2 minutes per side for medium)
3. To serve: Arrange the burger in the following stacking order from the bottom up: bottom bun, ketchup, hamburger patty, pickles, onion rings, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, top bun. (Optional: You can also add cheese and bacon slices.)