Guest Author - Amelia Johnson
Juciest Burgers
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs (or crushed soda cracker crumbs, more if needed) (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Directions
1.In a bowl crumble the ground beef with clean hands.
2.Add in the dry soup mix, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs or crushed soda cracker crumbs, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper.
3.Using clean hands mix until combined, add in more breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs if needed to just hold the mixture together (do not overwork the meat or it will be tough).
4.Divide the ground beef into 6 equal patties (or make 8 small patties).
5.Using your large finger or the back of a small spoon make a shallow dent into the center of each patty (about 1-inch wide).
6.Place the patties onto a large plate or a small cookie sheet; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours or up to 24 hours to blend flavors.
7 Grill or pan fry the burgers as desired until cooked through (if desired sprinkle a small amount of seasoned salt on top while cooking the patties).
8.Serve burgers in toasted buns with choice of condiments.
Cheesy Burgers
Ingredients
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (4 1/2 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1/3 cup mayonnaise
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
Directions
1.In a bowl, combine the cheese, mushrooms, mayo, and bacon.
2.Cover and refrigerate.
3.In another bowl, combine onion, salt, peppers garlic powder and pepper sauce.
4.Add ground beef and mix well.
5.Shape into 6 (1/2in) thick patties.
6.Grill, covered over medium-hot heat for 4-5 minutes on each side.
7.Spoon cheese mixture on top of each burger.
8.Grill until cheese begins to melt.
9.Serve on warm hamburger buns with lettuce and tomato if desired.
Jalapeno Burgers
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon dried ancho chile powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1-2 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper, seeded,to taste
Directions
1.Mix meat, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
2.Shape the mixture into 12 thin patties, each about 4 inches in diameter.
3.Mix the cream cheese, ancho chili powder, cumin, dried onion, and minced jalapeno.
4.Top 6 patties with the cheese mixture, spreading it to within 1/2-inch of the edge (if the mixture is difficult to spread, try heating in the microwave for about 15 seconds).
5.Cover each patty with one of the remaining 6 patties, sealing the edges well.
6.Broil or grill the patties (4 inches from the heat), turning only once if possible, until preferred doneness and cheese is melted, about 10 to 15 minutes.
