Are you ready to elevate your burger game? Forget dry, underwhelming patties! This 50/50 hamburger recipe, combining ground chuck and ground brisket, is the secret to juicy, flavorful burgers that will leave you craving more. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend barbecue, or even an impressive dinner party. It's a delicious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, a true testament to homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to experience the best burger you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chuck (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 pound ground brisket
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, etc.)
Instructions:
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Gentle Mixing: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chuck and ground brisket. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough burgers. The goal is to just distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Seasoning Magic: Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the meat mixture. Again, gently mix until the spices are evenly distributed. Overmixing leads to dense burgers, so be mindful of your technique!
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Shaping the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a patty, slightly larger than your buns, and about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty; this prevents them from bulging during cooking.
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Sizzling Perfection: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your preferred level.
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Bun Time: While the patties cook, lightly toast your hamburger buns.
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Assemble and Enjoy: Once the burgers are cooked to perfection, place them on the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for Burger Bliss:
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Don't Press Down: Resist the urge to press down on the patties while they cook. This will only squeeze out the juices, resulting in dry burgers.
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Meat Thermometer is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness. This guarantees food safety and perfectly cooked burgers every time.
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Rest for Juiciness: Let the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling your burgers. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy burger.
Variations:
- Spicy Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Please: Top your burgers with your favorite cheese – cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or even a crumbled blue cheese.
- Gourmet Burger: Add caramelized onions, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on toppings and bun type)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This 50/50 hamburger recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a truly satisfying meal. The perfect balance of lean and flavorful ground meats ensures juicy, flavorful burgers that are sure to become a new family favorite. So, fire up the grill or heat up the pan, and get ready for a burger experience like no other! This easy recipe is a healthy alternative to processed fast food, and a great quick dinner idea when you're short on time. Enjoy!