Classic Cheeseburger with Ketchup and Fries

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

– **Prep the potatoes**: Peel the potatoes (if desired) and cut them into evenly sized fries. The key to crispy fries is making sure they’re cut uniformly so they cook evenly.
– **Soak the fries**: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which results in crispier fries.
– **Dry and season**: After soaking, pat the fries dry with a clean towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
– **Bake**: Spread the fries out evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

#### Step 2: Make the Cheeseburger Patties
While the fries are baking, you can focus on preparing the **classic cheeseburgers**.

– **Form the patties**: Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, slightly larger than the size of your burger buns, as the patty will shrink as it cooks. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to help it cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up in the middle.
– **Season the patties**: Season each side of the patties with salt and pepper. Keep the seasoning simple—this is the time to let the flavor of the beef shine through.

#### Step 3: Cook the Burgers
– **Heat the pan**: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
– **Cook the patties**: Place the patties on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for a medium-rare to medium burger. For a well-done burger, cook for an extra 1-2 minutes per side. If you’re grilling, cook the patties on each side until you reach your desired doneness.
– **Add the cheese**: In the final minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt. This will give you that perfect, gooey melt every burger craves.

#### Step 4: Toast the Buns
While your burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns for the ultimate crunch. You can toast them in the skillet or oven for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.

#### Step 5: Assemble the Cheeseburgers
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your **classic cheeseburgers**!

– Place the bottom half of the toasted bun on a plate.
– Add the cooked cheeseburger patty on top.
– Spread ketchup generously (or your preferred condiment) on the top half of the bun.
– If desired, add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or onions for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
– Top it off with the other half of the bun to complete your cheeseburger masterpiece.

#### Step 6: Serve with Fries
Once your cheeseburgers are assembled, it’s time to plate them up with the crispy fries you’ve just baked. Serve them hot with extra ketchup on the side for dipping. If you like, you can also sprinkle a bit more salt or your favorite seasoning on the fries before serving.

### Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger and Fries:
– **Burger Fat Content**: Choose ground beef that’s 80% lean for juicy burgers. If you use leaner beef, you may end up with dry patties.
– **Resting the Patties**: Let your cooked burger patties rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.
– **Crispy Fries**: For extra crispy fries, try double-baking them: bake once at a lower temperature to cook through, then bake at a higher temperature for 10 minutes to crisp up.
– **Customize Your Toppings**: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg are great additions if you want to elevate your classic cheeseburger.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
– **Simple Ingredients**: This recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it easy to put together on any given night.
– **Satisfying and Comforting**: There’s nothing like the combination of a juicy burger with melty cheese, ketchup, and crispy fries to hit the spot when you’re craving comfort food.
– **Customizable**: You can switch up the toppings and condiments to make your burger uniquely yours. Whether you like it classic with ketchup or fancy with a special sauce, you can make this burger your own.

### Conclusion:
The **classic cheeseburger with ketchup and fries** is a timeless meal that brings people together over its delicious simplicity. It’s satisfying, comforting, and perfect for just about any occasion. With this recipe, you can create your own version of the classic, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a solo indulgence. Pair it with a cold drink, sit back, and enjoy one of the most iconic meals of all time.