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Homemade McDonald’s hamburger on sesame seed bun with pickles and ketchup

Classic McDonald's Hamburger Recipe: Better Than the Original

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Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

The classic copycat McDonald's hamburger — thin smash patties with crispy lacy edges, soft steamed buns, the secret rehydrated onion trick, and that signature mustard, ketchup, and pickle topping. Better than the drive-thru, in 20 minutes flat.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground beef, 450g ground beef, 80/20 chuck
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 plain hamburger buns, soft, no brioche
  • 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 3 tablespoons warm water
  • 8 dill pickle chips, thin, crinkle-cut
  • 4 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup

Instructions

  • Rehydrate the onions. Combine dried minced onion and warm water in a small bowl. Let sit at least 10 minutes, then drain.
  • Portion the beef. Divide ground beef into four loose 2-ounce balls. Do not pack tightly.
  • Preheat the pan. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for at least 5 minutes until screaming hot. No oil.
  • Smash the patties. Place a beef ball on the pan, top with parchment paper, and smash flat with a spatula. Hold pressure for 10 seconds.
  • Season and flip. Salt and pepper the top. Cook 90 seconds until crispy edges form, then flip and cook 30 to 45 seconds more.
  • Steam the buns. Steam over simmering water for 30 seconds, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10 seconds. Don't toast.
  • Assemble. Build each burger: bottom bun, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup, pinch of onions, 2 pickles, hot patty, top bun.
  • Wrap and rest. Wrap each in parchment paper for 2 minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon

Notes

Notes

  • Use 80/20 chuck — leaner beef won't crisp the same way.
  • Dried onions are non-negotiable. Fresh onions taste completely different.
  • Want a cheeseburger? Add a slice of American cheese right after the flip.
  • Cheap, soft buns beat brioche every time for this style.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 29gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 885mgPotassium: 546mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 107IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg