Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled (about 2 1/2 lb.)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 12 lbs ground round
  • salt
  • fresh ground black pepper
  • 4 hamburger buns, split (or onion rolls)
  • ketchup
  • mayonnaise
  • mustard
  • sliced tomatoes
  • lettuce
  • sliced red onion

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 400.
  • Using a French-fry cutter or sharp knife, cut each potato lengthwise into long strips about 1/2-inch thick.
  • Toss with the 2 tablespoons oil and spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  • Bake, occasionally scraping up the potatoes with a metal spatula, until the fries are golden brown, about 1 hour; transfer to paper towels to drain.
  • Just before the fries are done, lightly oil the bottom of a large cast-iron frying pan.
  • Place the pan over med-high heat and heat until very hot.
  • While the pan is heating, in a bowl, using clean hands, lightly mix together the ground beef, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
  • Handling the seasoned beef as little as possible, form into 4 plump patties, each about 4 inches in diameter.
  • Place the burgers in the hot frying pan.
  • Cook until browned on the first side, about 3 minutes.
  • Turn and cook until browned on the second side, about 3 minutes longer for medium burgers.
  • While the burgers are cooking, toast the buns in a toaster or under a broiler, cut side up, for about 1 minute.
  • Season the hot oven fries to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Place each burger on a bun.
  • Serve at once, with the fries.
  • Pass the ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion at the table.