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1
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a roasting rack on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven.
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2
Using your hands, break the meat into small pieces and combine evenly but loosely on a parchment or waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
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3
Spread the meat out and season it generously with salt and pepper.
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4
If desired, add the spice mix at this time.
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5
Divide the meat into 4 portions (about 6 ounces each).
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6
Using your hands, form each portion into a ball-shape by gently tossing it from 1 hand to the other.
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7
(Don't over work or press too firmly on the meat.)
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8
Gently form each portion into a patty about 3 1/2 inches wide and 1-inch-thick.
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9
Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
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10
Raise the heat to high and add the oil.
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11
Add the patties and cook, turning once, until well-browned, about 2 minutes each side.
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12
Using a spatula, transfer the hamburgers to the roasting rack in the oven and continue cooking to desired doneness, 8 to 9 minutes for medium-rare, 10 to 11 minutes for medium, and 13 to 15 minutes for well-done.
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13
If you are using the cheese, top the hamburgers during their last couple of minutes of cooking to melt.
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14
Transfer the hamburgers to a plate, let rest for a couple minutes before serving.
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15
Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns.
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16
Assemble the hamburgers with the condiments and toppings of your choice.
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17
Serve.
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18
Timing for a Counter Top Grill:
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19
When cooking on a counter-top grill:
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20
Turn on grill.
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21
Place Burgers on the heated grill.
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22
For Medium-Rare: Cook for 3 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 2 to 3 more minutes.
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23
For Medium:
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24
Cook for 4 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 4 more minutes.
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25
For Well:
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26
Cook for 5 minutes covered and then unplug the machine and continue to cook covered for 5 more minutes.
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27
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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28
2 teaspoons garlic powder
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29
2 teaspoons onion powder
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30
Hot Sauce, to taste
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31
Combine all ingredients.
