Are you tired of complicated meal prep and last-minute dinner stress? Get ready to revolutionize your cooking routine with these incredibly easy and delicious hamburger patties that can go straight from freezer to plate in minutes! Whether you're a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a quick and tasty meal, these homemade hamburger patties are about to become your new kitchen superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
- Once the mixture is combined, divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making them about 1/2 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- If you are preparing these as a freezer meal, place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other.
- Once all the patties are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the patties are frozen solid.
- After freezing, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you are ready to cook the patties, remove them from the freezer. You can cook them straight from frozen or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for quicker cooking.
- To cook the patties, preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. If cooking from frozen, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Cook the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are browned on the outside.
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help retain their juices.
- Serve the hamburger patties on buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and condiments.
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful patties. The fat helps keep the meat moist and adds incredible taste.
- Handling Technique: When mixing ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make your patties tough and dense. Gently combine ingredients just until they're incorporated.
- The Dimple Trick: When shaping patties, create a small indentation in the center. This prevents the patties from puffing up during cooking and helps them cook more evenly.
- Freezing Pro Tip: Use parchment paper between patties when freezing to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it easier to separate and cook individual patties.
- Food Safety First: Always ensure your hamburger patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to guarantee safe consumption.
- Resting is Key: Let your cooked patties rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful burger.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg