There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about biting into a juicy, perfectly cooked homemade burger. That’s why I wanted to share this homemade burger patties recipe with you.

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Making your own patties allows you to control exactly what goes into them from the cut of meat to the seasoning ensuring maximum flavor and freshness every single time. Plus, crafting burger patties from scratch brings a cozy, hands-on experience that makes mealtime special.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, craving a casual weeknight dinner, or just want to impress family and friends, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful patties every time. Ready to discover how to make the best homemade burger patties that rival any restaurant? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Homemade Burger Patties

To make delicious homemade burger patties, the quality and type of ingredients you use really matter. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef: The foundation of any good burger patty. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef, which means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This fat ratio helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful when cooked. You can use chuck or a blend of chuck and sirloin for a great balance.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the beef’s natural flavors. Use kosher salt for even seasoning and freshly ground black pepper for a nice bite.
• Optional additions: Some like to add finely minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs like parsley for extra flavor, but this recipe keeps it classic and straightforward to highlight the beef itself.

You don’t need complicated ingredients or a long list to make fantastic burger patties. Sometimes less is more, especially when you start with quality meat.

How to Make Homemade Burger Patties

Making these patties is straightforward, but I like to be precise in my method to ensure the best texture and flavor. Here’s my step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the right beef
Start with cold, fresh ground beef with a good fat content, ideally 80/20. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to shape your patties to maintain texture.

Step 2: Season the meat gently
Place the ground beef in a large bowl and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the seasoning into the meat — be careful not to overwork it, or the patties will turn dense and tough.

Step 3: Divide the mixture
Using a kitchen scale or your judgment, divide the meat into equal portions, typically 4 to 6 ounces per patty depending on your preference.

Step 4: Shape the patties
Form each portion into a round, flat patty about ¾ inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the patty cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up in the middle.

Step 5: Rest the patties briefly
Let the patties sit on a plate or tray for 5-10 minutes in the fridge before cooking. This helps the seasoning meld and the meat firm up a bit.

Step 6: Cook your patties
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook each patty about 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, adjusting time if you prefer rare or well done. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to keep the juices inside.

Step 7: Rest before serving
Once cooked, let the patties rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices before serving on your favorite buns with toppings.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Burger Patties

To elevate your homemade burger experience, pairing it with delicious sides is key. Here are my top three favorites:

• Crispy French fries: A classic companion, whether homemade or store-bought, fries bring the perfect salty crunch alongside your juicy patty.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw adds freshness and texture contrast to the rich burger.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn makes for a vibrant and seasonal side.

These sides complement the burger’s flavors and make for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

What I Learned the Hard Way

Even the best recipes can be elevated with a few handy tips. Here’s what I’ve learned over time that makes homemade burger patties taste and cook even better:

• Keep the beef cold at all times — Warm meat is harder to work with and tends to fall apart. Chill your beef and shape the patties quickly to maintain texture.
• Don’t overwork the meat — Mix and form patties gently. Overhandling the ground beef can make the burgers tough instead of tender.
• Use the thumb indentation trick — Pressing a small dent in the center prevents the patties from puffing up while cooking, ensuring an even, flat patty.
• Let patties rest before cooking — A brief rest in the fridge allows the seasoning to penetrate and firms the shape.
• Cook on medium-high heat — This creates a beautiful crust without overcooking the interior.
• Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking — It squeezes out precious juices and dries the burger.
• Rest patties after cooking — Just like steak, resting allows the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
• Use a meat thermometer — If you want precise doneness, aim for 160°F for a safe, juicy burger.
• Experiment with seasoning — While salt and pepper are classic, don’t be afraid to add herbs, spices, or sauces to create your signature burger.

These tips ensure your burger patties come out flavorful, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time.

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