Ultimate Copycat McDonald's Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers
Experience the nostalgia of McDonald's iconic burgers right in your kitchen with this delectable copycat recipe. Perfect for satisfying your fast-food cravings, this homemade version features a juicy beef patty, warm toasted bun, and classic toppings that make every bite a trip down memory lane. Whether you prefer it as a classic hamburger or a gooey cheeseburger, this recipe is crafted to deliver that familiar taste you love. Quick to prepare and customizable, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings!
N/A
Servings
330
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried onion flakes
1/2 teaspoon (Rehydrated in boiling water)
Boiling water
2 teaspoons (Used to rehydrate onion flakes)
Ground beef
1/8 lb (Raw, formed into a patty)
Plain hamburger bun
1 (Toasted)
Salt
As needed (For seasoning the patty)
Ketchup
1 tablespoon (Used as a topping)
Prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon (Used as a topping)
Dill pickle slice
1 (Sour, for topping)
American cheese slice
1 (Optional, for cheeseburger version)
Instructions
1
First, rehydrate the dried onion flakes by mixing them with boiling water. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the beef.
2
In a bowl, take the ground beef and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on a piece of wax paper and press it flat to form a patty that is about 1/8 inch thick.
3
Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat, then place the hamburger bun halves into the pan to toast them lightly, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the buns and set them aside.
4
In the same pan, cook the beef patty for approximately 2 minutes on each side, seasoning lightly with salt as it cooks.
5
On the top half of the toasted bun, spread the ketchup first, followed by the prepared mustard and rehydrated onions. Top with a dill pickle slice.
6
Once your patty is cooked, place it on the bottom bun half, then bring the two halves together to form the burger.
7
For added moisture and to replicate the fast-food experience, microwave the assembled burger on high for 10-15 seconds.
8
For a cheeseburger variant, simply add a slice of American cheese on top of the beef patty during the final assembly, and microwave it for about 15 seconds to melt the cheese slightly.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
28g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to McDonald's style onions?
The secret is rehydrating dried onion flakes in boiling water to achieve that specific fast-food flavor and texture.
How thick should the beef patty be for this copycat recipe?
The beef patty should be pressed very thin, approximately 1/8 inch thick, to mimic the classic McDonald's style.
How long should I cook the beef patty?
Cook the beef patty for approximately 2 minutes on each side over medium heat.
What is the best way to toast the hamburger buns?
Place the bun halves in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
How do I get the 'steamed' fast-food bun texture at home?
Microwave the fully assembled burger on high for 10-15 seconds to create moisture and soften the bun.
In what order should the toppings be added?
Apply ketchup first to the top bun, followed by mustard, rehydrated onions, and finally a dill pickle slice.
How much ground beef is needed per burger?
You will need 1/8 lb of ground beef per burger.
How do I make this a cheeseburger?
Simply add one slice of American cheese on top of the beef patty during assembly and microwave for 15 seconds.
How many calories are in this copycat burger?
One burger contains approximately 330 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 16 grams of fat in one serving.
How much protein does this burger provide?
Each burger contains 18 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the burger?
There are 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What seasonings are used for the meat?
The patty is seasoned lightly with salt while it cooks in the pan.
What kind of pickle should I use?
Use a sour dill pickle slice to match the authentic McDonald's flavor.
How much ketchup and mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ketchup and 1/2 teaspoon of prepared mustard.
How do I prep the dried onions?
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dried onion flakes with 2 teaspoons of boiling water and let them sit until rehydrated.
Can I use fresh onions instead?
While you can, rehydrated dried flakes are essential for capturing the specific McDonald's taste profile.
What type of cheese is used for the cheeseburger version?
A standard slice of American cheese is used.
Is any oil needed for the pan?
No, the recipe specifies using a dry frying pan for both toasting the bun and cooking the beef.
What tools do I need to form the patty?
You can use wax paper to help press the beef ball into a flat, thin patty without sticking.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with a quick preparation time.
How many ingredients are in the basic hamburger?
There are 8 ingredients for the hamburger, plus cheese if making a cheeseburger.
What is the serving size?
The recipe is designed for individual burgers (one serving per burger prepared).
Can I grill the patty instead of pan-frying?
The recipe suggests pan-frying to better replicate the flat-top grill style of the restaurant.
Why is the microwave step important?
The microwave step helps the flavors meld and softens the bun to create that authentic fast-food experience.
What kind of bun is used?
A standard plain hamburger bun is used for this recipe.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
Specific sodium content is not listed, but you can control it by how much salt you add to the patty.
Is there any fiber in this burger?
The fiber content is not specified for this recipe.
What tags characterize this recipe?
It is categorized as a copycat, fast food, comfort food, and beef-based hamburger recipe.
What heat setting should I use for the pan?
Medium heat is recommended for both toasting the buns and cooking the beef patty.