Classic Cheeseburger with Ketchup and Fries

### Instructions:

#### **1. Prepare the Fries:**
– Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Wash and peel the russet potatoes (if desired). Cut them into thin, even strips to make crispy fries. The thinner the slices, the crisper the fries will be.
– Place the potato strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.

#### **2. Shape and Cook the Burger Patties:**
– While the fries are baking, prepare the burger patties. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a round patty, slightly larger than the size of your buns. This ensures the burgers fit perfectly once cooked, as they’ll shrink slightly while grilling.
– Season the patties generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
– Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook to 130°F (54°C); for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, cook until 160°F (71°C).
– During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover with a lid to melt the cheese.

#### **3. Toast the Burger Buns:**
– While the patties are cooking, cut the burger buns in half and lightly toast them on the grill or in a separate pan. Toasting the buns adds texture and helps prevent them from becoming soggy when topped with the burger and condiments.

#### **4. Assemble the Cheeseburgers:**
– Once the patties are cooked and the cheese has melted, it’s time to assemble your cheeseburgers.
– Spread a small amount of ketchup on the bottom bun. You can also add mustard or mayonnaise if you like.
– Place the cooked cheeseburger patty on the bottom bun and layer with any optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions.
– Add a dollop of ketchup on top, if desired, and then place the top bun over the patty.

#### **5. Serve:**
– Serve your delicious cheeseburger with a side of hot, crispy fries and extra ketchup for dipping.

### Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger and Fries:

– **Beef Quality:** For the juiciest, most flavorful burgers, use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80% lean. This helps the patties stay tender and moist while cooking.
– **Seasoning:** Don’t be afraid to season your burger patties generously with salt and pepper. This is your chance to infuse the meat with flavor before cooking.
– **Cheese Choices:** Cheddar is a classic option, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, American, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
– **Fries:** For extra crispy fries, soak the potato strips in water for 30 minutes before baking. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries when cooked.
– **Toppings:** Customize your burger with your favorite toppings—avocado, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg all make great additions to a classic cheeseburger.

### Why You’ll Love the Classic Cheeseburger with Ketchup and Fries:

There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into a classic cheeseburger. The juicy, flavorful beef patty paired with the melt-in-your-mouth cheese is the perfect combination. Add a dash of ketchup, a few fresh toppings, and you’ve got a timeless meal that never goes out of style. And when paired with crispy fries, it’s the ultimate comfort food experience.

Whether you’re making this meal for a family dinner or cooking up a feast for friends, the *Classic Cheeseburger with Ketchup and Fries* is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, yet full of flavor and satisfaction. And the best part? You can easily customize it to suit your tastes, making it a versatile and fun meal for any occasion.

So fire up the grill, bake some fries, and enjoy the unbeatable combination of a juicy cheeseburger, crispy fries, and, of course, plenty of ketchup.