1 1/2pounds boneless chuck steak, cut into 1-inch chunks, or preground beef
1/2 small white onion, cut into chunks, optional
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6ounces cheddar cheese, grated or thinly sliced, optional
Hamburger buns, hard rolls, or English muffin, toasted if you like, optional
Lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, pickles, and condiments as you like
Instructions
Prepare a grill or turn on the broiler; the heat should be medium-high and the rack about 4 inches from the heat source. If you’re broiling, put a large ovenproof skillet on the rack 10 minutes before you’re ready to cook.
To make your own ground beef, put the meat, onion if you’re using it, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper into a food processor (in batches if your machine is small) and pulse until coarsely ground—finer than roughly chopped, but not much—this will take only a few pulses. If you’re starting with preground beef, mince the onion if you’re using it and fold it into the meat with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Handling the ground beef mixture as little as possible, lightly shape the meat into 4 large or 6 small burgers. (You can make them up to several hours ahead of cooking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate; bring them to room temperature before continuing.)
Put the burgers on the hot grill or under the broiler and cook, undisturbed, until they release easily, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn and cook the other side the same way, topping with the cheese if you’re using it. Check for doneness frequently by taking a peek with a sharp knife or using a thermometer if the burger is more than 1 inch thick. For medium-rare, figure about 3 more minutes (if they’re over an inch thick, you’ll need a little more time; if they’re under an inch, you’ll need a little less). Serve on buns, topped however you like.