Burgers on the Grill... Nothing Fancy!

Tonight we did my favorite, no frills grilling meal - cheese burgers with grilled potatoes on the side.  My recipe is definitely nothing fancy and probably the basic one everyone uses but we all love it.  Even the boys seemed to devour their meal down.  I served the burgers and potatoes with steamed green beans on the side.  Yay for summer meals!

Basic Burger Recipe

1 1/3 lb. ground beef (we used organic)
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. minced yellow onion
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Burger Extras:
sharp cheddar cheese
avocado
lettuce
tomato
onion
buns

Instruction:

To make the burgers, simply combine all the burger ingredients and mash together with your hands.  Divide into four balls and flatten into patties.

Heat the grill to medium-high heat.

Grill burgers 5 minutes a side until medium or medium well done.  Flip only once.  About 1-2 minutes before removing from the grill, top with a slice of cheese.
I served the burgers on buns with avocado, grilled onions (see below), and other various condiments.

Grilled Potatoes and Onions

4-6 medium red potatoes
1 yellow onion
1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt/Pepper to taste

Wash potatoes and slice thinly.  Soak potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes prior to grilling.  Remove potatoes from water and dry.  While soaking potatoes, slice onion thinly.

Place  potatoes and onion slices in a ziploc baggie and add olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.  Zip bag shut carefully (making sure it is shut all the way or you will have it all over your floor when you shake it like I did a few nights ago!).  Shake the bag until all is well coated.

Over medium high heat, place potatoes and onions on a grill pan.  Do not disturb for 10-15 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until potatoes are tender and starting to char and carmelize.

If you don't have a grilling pan, simply wrap the potatoes and onions in tin foil and place on the grill.  Flip foil packet once after 15 minutes and continue cooking another 15 minutes.  Remove from grill and carefully open packet to remove potatoes. 

Hint: If you like the crispy, darkened potatoes, divide them into smaller foil packets.

Husband Rating: 6 out of 10

Food for Thought:  The burgers are easy to make ahead of time and keep in the freezer.  To do this, simply make the patties and then flash freeze on wax paper on a plate or flat surface for about 2 hours before transferring to a freezer bag.  When you are ready to eat, simply take straight from the freezer and grill!  Yummy!