Ultimate Midwest Style Hamburger Patties
Savor the taste of classic American cuisine with these Ultimate Midwest Style Hamburger Patties. Crafted from high-quality ground beef and simple, flavorful seasonings, these burgers guarantee a juicy, mouthwatering experience every time you fire up the grill or skillet. Originating from the heart of the Midwest, this recipe showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region, making it a perfect addition to your summer cookouts or family dinners. With versatile seasoning options, customizable thickness, and a reliable cooking method, you can create burgers that cater to every palate—be it juicy and tender or robust with spices. Experience the joy of home-cooked burgers that bring friends and family together around the table!
8
Servings
200
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
2 (lbs (80 - 85% lean, more lean is too dry))
Dried onion flakes
2 (tablespoons)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Pepper
0.5 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dried onion flakes, salt, and pepper.
2
Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the patties remain tender.
3
If desired, experiment with different seasonings such as steak seasoning or Cajun spice for added flavor.
4
For charcoal grilling, add 1/2 cup of water to the beef mixture. This will help retain moisture and prevent the burgers from drying out during cooking.
5
When pan-frying, select a heavy-bottom skillet instead of a nonstick pan to achieve a better sear. Heat a small amount of oil in the skillet until shimmering before adding the patties.
6
Shape the beef mixture into patties, aiming for an even thickness of about 1-inch for optimal cooking.
7
Cook the patties for about 10-12 minutes, turning them only once if grilling, or turning more frequently when pan-frying, until they reach your desired doneness. (For reference, we recommend medium cooked.)
8
Avoid pressing down on the patties as they cook to retain their juicy flavor.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
0g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines Ultimate Midwest Style Hamburger Patties?
These patties are known for using high-quality ground beef and simple seasonings to create a juicy, classic American burger experience.
What is the ideal fat content for these burgers?
Ground beef that is 80% to 85% lean is recommended for the best flavor and moisture.
Why should I avoid using extra lean beef?
Beef that is leaner than 85% tends to become too dry when cooked as a hamburger patty.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of ground beef, 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of pepper.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Combine the beef and seasonings by hand, mixing gently until just combined to keep the patties tender.
What happens if I overmix the burger meat?
Overmixing the beef can lead to tough, dense patties instead of tender ones.
Can I add extra flavors to the beef?
Yes, you can experiment with Cajun spice or steak seasoning for a more robust flavor profile.
How thick should the patties be?
Aim for an even thickness of approximately 1 inch for optimal and even cooking.
Why is water added for charcoal grilling?
Adding 1/2 cup of water to the meat mixture helps retain moisture and prevents the burgers from drying out on the grill.
How much water should I add when grilling?
Add 0.5 cup of water to the beef mixture specifically when preparing for charcoal grilling.
What is the best way to pan-fry these patties?
Use a heavy-bottom skillet instead of a nonstick pan and heat a small amount of oil until it shimmers.
Why is a heavy-bottom skillet better than non-stick?
A heavy-bottom skillet allows for a better sear on the meat compared to a non-stick surface.
How do I know the oil is ready for frying?
The oil is ready when it begins to shimmer in the pan.
How long does it take to cook the burgers?
The total cooking time is usually between 10 to 12 minutes.
How many times should I flip the burgers on a grill?
When grilling, turn the patties only once to help maintain their structure and juices.
How often should I flip the burgers in a skillet?
When pan-frying, you can turn the patties more frequently than you would on a grill.
What is the recommended level of doneness for these burgers?
Cooking the patties to a medium doneness is recommended for the best experience.
Should I press the patties with a spatula while cooking?
No, you should avoid pressing down on the patties to retain their juicy flavor.
What is the consequence of pressing down on the burgers?
Pressing down on the meat squeezes out the juices, resulting in a drier burger.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in each burger patty?
Each patty contains about 16g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15g of fat in each serving.
Are these hamburger patties low in carbohydrates?
Yes, these patties contain 0g of carbohydrates, making them suitable for low-carb diets.
Can I use these for a summer cookout?
Absolutely, they are a perfect addition to summer cookouts and family gatherings.
What kind of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is a classic example of American comfort food with a Midwest regional influence.
Can I prepare these patties in advance?
Yes, you can shape the patties ahead of time and keep them chilled until you are ready to cook.
What type of salt and pepper should I use?
Standard table salt or sea salt and ground black pepper are perfectly suitable for this recipe.
Are these patties thick or thin style?
These are thicker style patties, shaped to be about 1-inch thick.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only 4 main ingredients and simple steps, it is an easy recipe for any skill level.