Step 1

Season the ground meat with the salt and pepper. Divide the meat into 5-oz. portions. Using your hands, gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and about 3-1/2 inches in diameter.

Step 2

Heat a nonstick griddle or a cast-iron pan over high heat until very hot. (You want the burger to cook in its own fat.) Using a spatula, lay the burgers on the pan without crowding them. (If they’re too close together, they’ll steam.) Turn the heat to medium high and cook until nicely browned on the first side, about 5 minutes Resist the urge to press down on the burger, which forces out the juices and dries the meat. Flip the burgers over and cook until done to your liking, about another 5 minutes for medium (cut into a burger to check).