Juicy Ground Beef Patties Recipe: Quick & Easy Dinner Idea!

Table of Contents: Ground Beef Patties

Ground Beef Patties

Discover the secret to juicy, flavor-packed patties that bring grandma’s kitchen charm to your weeknight table in under 45 minutes.

Why These Ground Beef Patties Belong on Your Family Table

There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of homemade ground beef patties — tender meat caramelized to perfection, smothered in an herby pan sauce that whispers of Sunday suppers and uncomplicated joy. Unlike basic burgers, these patties lean into European bistro elegance with aromatic thyme, wine-kissed gravy, and butter-softened onions that melt like gratitude on your tongue.

Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave hearty comfort without the hassle, or as a centerpiece for relaxed family dinners where laughter flows as freely as the sauce. This recipe transforms affordable ground beef into a sophisticated yet easy dinner, proving that humble ingredients can dazzle when treated with care.

Whether you’re feeding hungry teens or hosting empty-nest friends, these patties deliver nostalgia and nourishment in every bite. And with freezer-friendly flexibility, they’re your golden ticket to stress-free meal planning.

Ground Beef Patties: By Any Other Name

• Hamburger Steaks (Southern U.S. classic)
• Salisbury Patties (with mushroom gravy)
• Beef Croquettes (bread-crumb coated version)

For more ground beef recipes that stretch your grocery budget, try adding diced mushrooms to the patties or swapping thyme for smoked paprika.

Ingredients: Building Flavor Layers

FOR THE ONIONS:

• ¾ cup yellow onion, finely minced (sweet Vidalia works wonders)
• 2 tablespoons butter (salted for richness)

FOR THE PATTIES:

• 1½ lbs lean ground beef (85/15 blend ideal)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (the juiciness secret!)
• 1½ teaspoons sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
• ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme (or ½ tsp fresh)
• 1 large egg (binding agent)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour, spread on a plate (for dredging)
• 1 tablespoon butter (cooking fat)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola)

FOR THE SAUCE:

• ½ cup liquid base (choose one: beef stock, dry white wine, red wine, or water)
• 2-3 tablespoons softened butter (for glossy texture)
• 2 tablespoons fresh green herbs, minced (parsley + chives recommended)

Crafting Your Ground Beef Masterpiece

1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced onions and cook 15 minutes until golden-brown, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Mix Patty Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme, egg, and cooled onions. Mix gently with hands until just combined (overworking = tough patties).
3. Shape & Dredge: Divide into 6 equal portions. Form ¾-inch thick patties, gently pressing a thumbprint into the center to prevent bulging. Dredge both sides in flour, shaking off excess.
4. Sear to Perfection: Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high. Cook patties 4 minutes per side until crusty and browned. Transfer to a plate tented with foil.
5. Deglaze & Sauce: Pour chosen liquid into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in softened butter 1 tbsp at a time until emulsified. Stir in herbs.
6. Serve: Spoon sauce over patties. Pair with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Pro Tip: For a shortcut, use frozen diced onions — sauté directly from frozen for 8 minutes.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: 40 mins
Servings: 4 (1.5 patties each) | Calories: ~490 per serving

The Science of Succulence

Three elements make these homemade burgers extraordinary: 1) Butter in the patty mix keeps lean beef moist during cooking. 2) Flour-dredging creates a savory crust that locks in juices. 3) The pan sauce leverages fond (those crispy browned bits) for complex flavor without extra work.

Expert Tweaks:

• Wine Options: Dry vermouth adds subtle botanicals, while red wine delivers deeper notes.
• Herb Swap: Tarragon + chervil create a French-inspired “fines herbes” blend.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for dredging.

Make-Ahead Magic

• Fridge: Store cooked patties in sauce for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in skillet on low.
• Freeze Raw: Shape undredged patties, layer between parchment, and freeze 3 months. Thaw in fridge before cooking.
• Freeze Cooked: Freeze sauced patties in airtight containers for 2 months. Reheat from frozen in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 mins.

Ground Beef Patties: Your Questions Answered

How do you make homemade ground beef patties?

Combine lean ground beef with binders (egg), seasonings, and softened butter for moisture. Gently mix to avoid tough patties, shape into even discs with a center indentation, then sear in butter-oil blend until browned. Deglaze the pan with stock or wine for a quick herb-flecked sauce. The butter in the patty mix ensures they stay succulent even with lean meat.

What are the best seasonings for ground beef patties?

Keep it simple: salt enhances natural beefiness, pepper adds warmth, and thyme contributes earthy notes. For depth, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the finished dish. Avoid overpowering blends — the caramelized onions and pan sauce provide complexity.

How do you cook ground beef patties?

Use a heavy skillet (cast iron ideal) and preheat oil-butter mix until shimmering. Sear patties 4 minutes undisturbed per side for perfect caramelization. Resist pressing them down — this squeezes out juices. Cook to 160°F (71°C) internal temp, then rest 5 minutes before saucing. The flour coating creates a crisp exterior while sealing in moisture.

Can I freeze raw or cooked patties?

Absolutely! Freeze raw, un-dredged patties on parchment-lined trays before transferring to bags for 3 months. Cooked patties can be frozen with or without sauce. Thaw raw patties overnight in fridge; cooked ones reheat best in oven or covered skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

The Comfort Food Finale

These ground beef patties aren’t just dinner — they’re an edible embrace. Whether you’re reviving childhood memories or building new traditions, this recipe delivers satisfaction without ceremony. I’d love to hear how you personalized them! Did you try red wine in the sauce? Add a dollop of Dijon? Snap a photo and tag #CrystalBeefPatties so we can celebrate your kitchen victory together.

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