Getting the whole family together to cook a meal is a great way to spend time together, make memories, and teach kids important life skills. The classic cheeseburger is a food that everyone loves and is easy to make. This recipe is good for the whole family because it is easy to make and tastes good. Kids can help with every step of the process. Get messy, fire up the grill, and prepare family-approved cheeseburgers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Encourage your kids to mix the ingredients together using their hands or a spatula.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty that’s about 1/2-inch thick. Be sure to create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill or pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover with a lid or foil to help the cheese melt.
- While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until lightly browned.
- Assemble the cheeseburgers by placing a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Add your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and/or mayo. Finally, place the top half of the bun on top.
- Serve the cheeseburgers immediately and enjoy a fun and delicious meal with your kids!
Healthy Variety
To make your family cheeseburger recipe healthier while maintaining its deliciousness, consider the following options:
- Choose leaner meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or 90% lean ground beef. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Whole grain buns: Replace white hamburger buns with whole grain or whole wheat buns for added fiber and nutrients.
- Load up on veggies: To make cheeseburgers healthier, top them with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and grilled onions.
- Cheese alternatives: Reduce saturated fat by using reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella, or use less regular cheese.
- Add a healthy twist to condiments: Use light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or avocado as a substitute for regular mayo. Experiment with homemade salsa, hummus, or tzatziki sauce for a unique and healthier flavor.
- Grilled or baked: Grill or bake your burgers to reduce oil use.
- Make smaller portions: Create sliders or mini-burgers instead of full-sized burgers to control portion sizes and reduce calorie intake.
- Side dishes: Serve cheeseburgers with grilled veggies, mixed green salads, or baked sweet potato fries.
For The Whole Family
Having your kids help you cook can be fun and satisfying, and this cheeseburger recipe is a great one for a family cooking session. By following these easy steps, you’ve not only made a delicious meal for your kids, but you’ve also helped them develop an interest in cooking and a sense of creativity. As you enjoy each juicy bite, be proud that you’ve made more than just a tasty meal—you’ve also made memories that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy