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It is no secret how much I love burgers. This Classic Diner Burger is the burger that started it all back when I was a child. A juicy…some would say greasy…cheeseburger slathered with thousand island dressing that runs down your arm. The kind of burger that comes wrapped in white paper with french fries and a chocolate shake!….
Yes, I am old enough to remember Bob’s Big Boy. I loved eating there when I was growing up. Then in college, the Bob’s Big Boy in town was torn down to make room for a bookstore. It was okay though, I had the “Theresa Burger” at Marie Callenders. Theresa was the head cook when I started working there, and boy did she make an awesome burger!!
Sadly, Theresa left for a better job. The cute little diners slowly disappeared and were replaced by large corporate chains, and barbecue bacon cheeseburgers kind of took over.
Fast forward 28 a few years, and now I can make my own! 🙂 Grass-fed ground beef, Homemade Hamburger Buns, and my very own Thousand Island Dressing bring back fond memories of when food was real and and not processed beyond recognition. No, I am not oblivious to the fact that the buns were “toasted” on the same grill that the burgers were cooked on. I never claimed that burgers are health food, just that they can be made with healthier ingredients! 😉
How to make a Classic Diner Burger:
Form ground beef into patties. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat until no pink remains…..
Place cheese slices on top of burgers and allow to melt…..
Spread thousand island dressing on bottom bun. Add the pickles and cheeseburger, then top with lettuce, tomato, and onion slices…..
Spread additional dressing on top bun, top burger and serve with fries and a chocolate shake…..
I have been planning to post this burger for quite a while now. Then when I looked at the calendar and saw that today was Patriot Day, it just seemed perfect. What could be more American than a big ‘ol cheeseburger, some freedom fries, and chocolate shake?
More delicious burger recipes:
Mexican Burgers with Queso Blanco
Enjoy!!
Classic Diner Burger
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Pounds grass-fed 85% ground beef
- sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
- 4 Slices cheddar cheese
- lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 4 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- Form ground beef into patties. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat until no pink remains.
- Place cheese slices on top of burgers and allow to melt.
- Spread thousand island dressing on bottom bun. Add the pickles and cheeseburger, then top with lettuce, tomato, and onion slices.
- Spread additional dressing on top bun, top burger and serve with fries and a chocolate shake.
Raquel @ Organized Island says
September 11, 2013 at 4:40 pmOh I remember Bob’s soooo well. I too am sad that some of the mom and pop diners have not been able to withstand all the chains. Your burger looks great!
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
September 12, 2013 at 1:03 amLisa, this really looks like a restaurant photo! I am with you on this being the perfect kind of burger except the part about dressing running down your arm. I’m a freak about messes, so that part makes me cringe 😉 Pinned!
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
September 12, 2013 at 5:34 amThis looks way better than a restaurant hamburger! And I love that it’s healthier made at home 😉
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
September 12, 2013 at 6:30 amYummmm! Now I want a cheeseburger for breakfast!
Cindy Eikenberg says
September 12, 2013 at 7:03 amLisa, this is like my hubby on a plate, lol! This is one delicious looking burger, without question! Thanks for sharing – pinning and buffering! xoxo
marcie@flavorthemoments says
September 12, 2013 at 1:14 pmYou always do make a damn good burger, Lisa, and I’m old enough to remember Bob’s Big Boy, too! lol This burger looks just perfect with all those fixins! Gotta have the 1,000 IslandDressing for sure.
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
September 12, 2013 at 1:56 pmI just moved around the corner from a diner and I love it! Thanks for the recipe!
Andi says
September 13, 2013 at 1:03 pmI’m with Danni…burgers for breakfast! Or pizza! Okay, I’ll take the burger, fries, and milkshake for breakfast please!
-andi
marilyn schoneman says
September 21, 2013 at 7:04 amHello from Iowa 🙂 … your recipes look wonderful! How long does the thousand island dressing keep in the refrigerator ? Thanks… Are you an Iowan too 🙂 !
marilyn ….!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says
September 23, 2013 at 7:20 pmYum! I love a good burger! It looks delicious:)
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
September 23, 2013 at 8:44 pmHi Lisa, thanks for sharing at MM this week! You know that I LOVE a good burger; pinned and sharing on FB!
Cynthia L. says
September 24, 2013 at 7:37 amWhat a perfect looking burger – I am ready to dig in and take a big bite!
Thank you for linking this to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. I am always glad that you share your great recipes!
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork says
September 25, 2013 at 8:57 pmOMG!! When you were describing the burger, I thought to myself, “sounds like a Big Boy!!” My parents were obsessed with that place and we would go all the time on our drives to Door County. This looks so awesome!!!
Julie Corbisiero says
September 27, 2013 at 8:17 pmHi, you hamburger looks so good and I bet it’s delicious! Thanks for hosting the party and have a great weekend.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Tiffany@vintagemarigold.com says
September 27, 2013 at 10:30 pmYum! Looks so good!
Julie says
August 4, 2014 at 9:21 amI’ll take one for lunch! 🙂 Looks fantastic, Lisa!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
August 4, 2014 at 2:46 pmA classic burger would really hit the spot right about now! 🙂