Hamburger Patty Recipe

Ingredients needed 

For the patties:

• Lean ground beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 beef for the best flavor and moisture.
• Sweet onion: Finely minced and caramelized until golden, adding sweetness and depth to each bite.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions until they’re perfectly translucent and slightly browned.
• Mayonnaise: This secret ingredient adds incredible moisture and helps the patties stay tender during cooking.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: The essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the meat.
• Montreal Steak Seasoning: Adds a robust, savory flavor profile that makes these burgers truly special.

For serving:

• Hamburger buns: Split and toasted for a crisp texture.
• Toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, and pickles add freshness and crunch.
• Mustard and ketchup: Classic condiments that complete your burger.

For the special sauce (optional):

• Mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, onion powder, and paprika: Combine to create a tangy, creamy sauce that rivals any burger joint.

How do you make this hamburger patty recipe?

Prepare the onions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely minced sweet onion and cook until translucent and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow the onions to cool completely before adding to the meat mixture.

PRO TIP: Letting the onions cool prevents them from cooking the meat prematurely and helps the patties hold their shape better during forming.

Form the patties:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled caramelized onions, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and Montreal Steak Seasoning.
2. Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions, then form each portion into 5 patties (10 patties total), about ¾-inch thick.
4. Gently flatten each patty with your palm to create an even thickness throughout.

PRO TIP: Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up into domes during cooking.

Prep and chill the patties:

1. Line a platter or baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the formed patties on the prepared platter, separating layers with additional parchment paper if needed.
3. Refrigerate until you’re ready to cook, or freeze for 30 minutes to firm them up and help them maintain their shape during cooking.

PRO TIP: Chilling the patties helps them hold together better and prevents them from falling apart on the grill or in the pan.

Prepare the special sauce (optional):

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.

PRO TIP: Make this sauce a day ahead for even better flavor as the ingredients have time to come together.

Choose your cooking method:

To pan fry:

1. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil to the hot skillet.
3. Place the patties in the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the burgers reach your desired doneness.

To grill:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates clean.
2. Place the patties on the grill and close the lid.
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until the burgers are cooked to your preference.

To bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
2. Once hot, carefully remove the baking sheet using an oven mitt and place the patties on it.
3. Return to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
4. For extra color, broil the burgers for the final 3-4 minutes of cooking.

PRO TIP: For the best flavor, let the patties rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Assemble and serve:

1. Toast the hamburger buns, cut-side down, in a skillet or on the grill until golden brown.
2. Spread the bottom bun with your favorite sauce or condiments.
3. Top with a cooked patty, then layer with tomato slices, onion rings, sliced pickles, and lettuce.
4. Spread the top bun with mustard, ketchup, or additional special sauce.
5. Close the burger, press gently, and serve immediately.

PRO TIP: Don’t overload your burger with toppings – a few quality ingredients will create a better burger than an overstuffed version.