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1
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions.
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2
Shape each portion into an even 1/2-inch-thick patty that is about 1 inch wider in diameter than the hamburger buns.
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3
Using your thumb, make a shallow 1-1/2-inch wide indentation in the center of each patty.
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4
Transfer the patties to a plate and refrigerate while you prepare the grill.
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5
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to 600 degrees F to 800 degrees F. When the grill is ready, use tongs to rub the grate with several layers of paper towels dipped in vegetable oil.
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6
Season the hamburger patties generously on both sides so that you can see a thin layer of salt and pepper.
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7
Place the patties on the grill indentation-side up, cover the grill, and cook the patties undisturbed ( press down on them) until grill marks appear on the bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes.
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8
Using a spatula, flip and cook for about 2 minutes more.
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9
Place 2 slices of cheese on each patty, cover the grill, and continue cooking until the patties are just slightly pink in the center for medium, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
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10
Remove to a clean plate and let rest in a warm place or tent loosely with foil.
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11
While the patties are resting, place the bun halves cut-side down on the grill and toast until golden brown, about 1 minute.
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12
Remove the buns to a clean serving plate, place a patty on each bun bottom, garnish as desired, and cover with a bun top.
