Easy Pure Beef Burgers

It's 'Burger Time' because it's Summer! Oh, how I love Summer! The thought of Summer reminds me of burgers - sunshine and warmer weather let us stay outside for a while because the days are longer and we can cook outdoor using the grill. We used to buy Angus beef burgers in boxes from the supermarkets because I didn't know how to make my own. The ones in boxes are getting pricier by the days, maybe because they are frozen and ready to be slapped onto the grill or onto the baking tray. But, I realized, making my own burgers isn't hard when I gave it a try and to my surprise, they taste better than the store bought and having less filler! I can also choose the amount of lean beef I want to use and experimenting with different flavors. These are really good because even Jonathan & Matthew say so :))) The ones shown here are really huge 1/2 pound and one is enough to fill me for the whole day!

Utensils Needed

One very large mixing bowl

Measuring spoons and cups

Baking tray

Parchment papers cut into size to separate the burger patties

Freezer-safe food containers to keep the extra in the freezer

Meat thermometer

Ingredients 

4 lbs or 1.79 kg lean ground beef (do not use extra lean unless you want very dry burgers)

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons dry mustard powder

3 teaspoons iodized fine sea salt

1 tablespoon onion powder (not onion salt)

4 teaspoons garlic powder (not garlic salt)

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper powder

1/2 cup Heinz ketchup

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

1 large egg

Method

1. Measure and mix all the ingredients (except beef) in the large mixing bowl. Then add beef and mix them well using your clean bare hands. Do not squeeze the ground beef while mixing to avoid toughening the meat.

2. Once they are completely mixed, divide them equally (16 portions for 1/4 pound each & 8 portions for 1/2 pound each). 

3. Shape each portion into meat ball like shape and pat to flatten. Then place onto a pre-cut parchment paper and separate each portion from the other before storing them in freezer-safe food container and freeze until you wished to cook them.

4. If you are baking or grilling them immediately, you do not need to use parchment paper to separate them. Just place each portion separately on a lined baking tray or directly onto the hot grill.

5. Before you bake, pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C and place burgers on lined baking tray and bake for 25 minutes until juices run clear (for quarter pound) and 30 - 35 minutes (for 1/2 pound) or when meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 75 degrees C or well done.

Note: You must remove them immediately from oven once they are fully cooked. Do not leave in the oven, otherwise, they will become dry.

Enjoy them with all your favorite condiments! I like mine plain :)

Makes 16 quarter pound portions and 8 half pound portions

*For those who are more adventurous, you can try adding different spices and herbs. Please send your request by email and I can send you the ingredients for 'Cumin burger' and 'Italian herbs burger' which are also really good. Please send your request to woeihon@gmail.com