If you’re like me, you sometimes get in the mood to eat a good burger at home where no one can judge you. This is not your average burger, though, because (mostly) everyone knows how to make a burger. The difference is that the patties in a muscle burger are higher in protein and healthier for you! Muscle burgers are a great option for people trying to eat healthier or just for people who want something different. This recipe will make anywhere from two to four burger patties, depending on how many you want to make.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
(the leaner, the better)
2 eggs
⅓ cup of bread crumbs
Buns (optional)
Cheese (optional)
Salt
Pepper
Vegetables of your choice
(onions, lettuce, tomato, etc.)
Condiments as desired
Modifications
Meat alternatives include Gardein and Beyond meat alternatives and lentils (approximately 1 cup of cooked lentils = 1 pound of beef)
Alternatives for eggs to make this recipe vegan include ground flax seeds, egg substitutes or a mixture of water, oil and baking powder can be used
Alternatives for bread crumbs include crushed nuts and oats (after you put them in the food processor)
Supplies
Medium mixing bowl
Large pan
Spatula
Food Preparation
First, you will need to combine your beef and eggs in a medium mixing bowl until well combined. Next, you will add the bread crumbs until combined. If making this vegetarian or vegan, combine the appropriate ingredients in a mixing bowl until well combined. You can add any and all spices into the mixture or sprinkle them on top after you begin to cook the burgers.
Then you will split your burger mixture into halves or quarters, depending on the size and quantity of the burgers you want to make. Keep in mind that making two large patties will take much longer to cook than four, smaller patties. Shape each portion into a patty shape and press it until it does not fall apart easily. One trick to making patties that cook evenly is by pressing the middle of the patty a little thinner with your thumbs. Once all of your patties are formed to your preference, set them aside. Sprinkle any spices you want. Add salt and pepper to both sides.
Wash and cut all vegetables that you want to add. Set these to the side. If necessary, prepare the cheese into as many slices as desired. This can be any cheese that you want. Keep in mind that cheddar cheese does not typically melt as well as other types of cheese, but it does go well on burgers.
Cooking the Burgers
Place your pan on the stove and turn the burner on to medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes so that the burgers will cook evenly. Carefully place burgers onto the pan; try to place all of your patties onto the pan quickly so that they will cook at the same rate. Keep in mind that there is no oil in this pan. Once the burgers begin to cook, the patties should not stick to the pan, so there is no need to add oil.
If you want to make grilled onions, add the onions into the pan at this time. Allow the burgers to cook for about three to five minutes on one side if using beef (about three minutes for medium-rare, longer for a more done burger). If using plant-based meat, cook according to the instructions given for what you are using.
Once cooked to your preference, carefully flip each patty. Cook for three to five more minutes on each side until it is cooked through to your desired temperature. About two minutes before you finish cooking the burgers, remove any vegetables from the pan. At this time, place the slices of cheese on top of each patty, and try not to get any cheese in the pan itself. Wait until the cheese melts, and then your burgers are ready to be taken out of the pan! Make sure you let the burgers sit for a few minutes before eating them. Take this time to plate or prep any side dishes that you are serving with the burgers.
Another optional step is to place the buns in an oven preheated to 350ºF for approximately five minutes. This will make the buns crispy and add an extra layer of texture to your meal that will complement the patties nicely. Any type of bun can be used, including lettuce buns, and it all depends on what you prefer!
Building Your Burgers
This is all up to your discretion. Start with your bun and carefully use the spatula to place the patties. Then add any condiments that you want.
Build your perfect burger and get ready to eat! Serve with any side you want; fries are my personal favorite since they are such an iconic combination.
This is a fun recipe to make and is just a good twist on a classic American dish. It is highly customizable, which is why I like it so much. This recipe can also be cooked on a grill if desired. I hope that you enjoy this recipe and give it a try!