Instructions: Build medium-hot fire, or set gas or electric grill to medium-high.

Combine ground beef with onion, salt and pepper in medium bowl; mix lightly until well blended; shape into 6 patties about 1-inch thick.

Grill, 4 inches from heat, 8 minutes on each side for well-done.

Place on toasted buns and top with sliced tomato.

Variations on the burger theme:
TRIVOLI BURGERS

Prepare mixture as above. Grill. Mix 1/4 cup mashed blue cheese, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or salad dressing and 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce in small bowl; spread on grilled patties; grill 2 minutes longer or until cheese is bubbly.

ITALIAN BURGERS

Prepare mixture for Basic Burgers, adding 1 teaspoon mixed Italian spices, crumbled. Grill. Cream 2 tablespoons butter with 2 teaspoons finely cut chives; spread over hot patties.

CHILI-CHEESE BURGERS

Prepare mixture for Basic Burgers, add 1/2 cup diced Monterey Jack cheese and 1 to 3 teaspoons chili powder until well blended. Grill as above.

HAWAIIAN BURGERS

Add 1 can (8 1/2 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained, 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts or almonds and 1/2 cup flaked coconut to Basic Burger mixture.

WISCONSIN BURGERS

Add 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup catsup to Basic Burger mixture, just until well blended.

WASHINGTON BURGERS

Add 1/2 cup bottled hickory smoke BBQ sauce and 2 thinly sliced green onions to Basic Burger mixture.

VERMONT BURGERS

Add 1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers or other flavored crackers to Basic Burger mixture.

OHIO BURGERS

Add 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon each leaf thyme and leaf oregano, crumbled, to Basic Burger mixture.

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