AmericanBeefDinnerRecipesStovetop SkilletUnder 60 Min
July 5th, 2024
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
This delicious burgers recipe is the perfect make-ahead freezer meal. Make up a batch of these delicious beef patties, separate them using parchment paper, and freeze until ready to cool.
There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, flavorful burger, and with our Burgers Freezer Meal recipe, you can enjoy this treat anytime! These make-ahead meals are packed with deliciousness, from the rich taste of seasoned beef to the freshness of your favorite toppings. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these burgers are sure to be a hit.
For busy parents, this freezer meal is a blessing. Preparing meals in advance means less time in the kitchen and more quality time with your loved ones. Our recipe allows you to make a batch of burgers, freeze them, and have a ready-to-cook meal on hand whenever you need it. It’s all about making life easier while still enjoying home-cooked goodness.
So, come along and cook with us! Together, we’ll create these tasty Burgers Freezer Meals and make dinnertime a breeze. Let’s get started and transform your kitchen into a hub of delicious, stress-free cooking!
Why You’ll Love this Easy Burger Freezer Meal
Make-Ahead Convenience: Spend one day preparing and enjoy stress-free dinners for weeks.
Delicious Flavor: Homemade burgers packed with your favorite seasonings.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Healthy Ingredients: Control what goes into your burgers, ensuring a healthier meal.
Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters will love the familiar taste of a juicy burger.
Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes to wash when dinner is already prepped.
Burgers Freezer Meal Recipe
This delicious burgers recipe is the perfect make-ahead freezer meal. Make up a batch of these delicious beef patties, separate them using parchment paper, and freeze until ready to cool.
Ground Turkey for Ground Beef: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option that can still be seasoned and frozen.
Mozzarella for Cheddar Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar cheese for a different cheesy flavor that melts well in the burger.
Smoked Paprika for Regular Paprika: Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the burger patties.
Additions:
Diced Jalapeños: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy kick. Jalapeños freeze well when mixed into the patties.
Chopped Spinach: Mix in 1 cup of chopped spinach for added nutrition and color. Spinach blends well into the meat and can be frozen.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat. These flakes are great for freezing as they don’t lose their potency.
How to Reheat and Store Freezer-Friendly Burgers
Best way to store Make-Ahead Burgers leftovers?
To prolong the shelf life of your burger leftovers, it’s crucial to store them correctly. Begin by allowing the leftovers to cool down, ideally within two hours. Then, transfer the cooled burgers into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, minimizing the amount of air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage.
If you have already formed the burger, consider wrapping them with aluminum foil. To track freshness, always label the containers with the date of preparation. Employing this method ensures you can enjoy your favorite dishes conveniently and reduce food waste.
How long will Burgers last in the fridge?
Good news for leftovers lovers! Your favorite dishes can stay fresh in the fridge for approximately three to five days.First, let them cool down to room temperature within two hours after cooking, and then seal them up in airtight containers to lock in all those flavors.
Now, if you ever find yourself with more leftovers than you can handle, the freezer is your friend! Just pop them in there, and they’ll be ready to delight your taste buds whenever you’re ready for them.
Can I freeze Beef Burger Leftovers?
Absolutely! This recipe was created for a freezer recipe. To prepare this recipe for freezer storage, label 2 freezer bags with recipe and cooking directions. Then cut 1-inch slices out of ground beef. Flatten the burgers to preferred thickness and season both sides. Then place half the burgers in one gallon freezer bag and half in the other, using parchment paper to separate burger patties. Seal bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
You may also freeze leftover burgers. However, be aware that the texture and flavor may change in the freezing, thawing, and reheating process.
How to Reheat Convenient Burgers?
We recommend using the stovetop with a skillet, oven, or microwave for reheating. When using the stovetop, place a small amount of oil on the skillet over medium heat, and reheat. Flip hallway through to ensure even heating.
When using the oven, preheat the oven to 350F. Place burgers in the oven for 10 minutes, then flip, and cook for another 5 minutes. When using the microwave, reheat burgers on a safe plate for 30-60 seconds. Flip between intervals to ensure even heating.
Make-Ahead Delicious Burgers FAQs
How do you make a perfect burger?
Creating the perfect burger starts with the highest quality ingredients. Begin with a high-fat ratio to ensure juiciness. Gently form the patties without overworking the meat. Season both sides with salt and pepper just before cooking, then preheat the grill or skillet to high-heat, and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for longer for desired doneness.
Avoid pressing down on the burger during the cooking process so as to retain as much juice as possible. Add a slice of cheese to the patties, and allow them to rest after cooking for a few minutes to redistribute the juices. Toast the buns for extra flavor.
What is the perfect burger stack?
The perfect burger stack is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Start with a sturdy, toasted bun that can handle the juiciness of the burger without falling apart. The base should be a spread of mayo or burger sauce to avoid the bun getting soggy from the burger juices.
Next, use the crisp lettuce, followed by the perfectly cooked burger patty with melted cheese. Add slices of tomato and a few pickles for acidity and crunch. Place caramelized onions or raw onions slices for sweetness and bite. The top bun should be lightly spread with your favorite condiment, such as a ketchup or mustard. Optionally, add bacon for a savory, crispy element.
What should I season burgers with?
Seasoning burgers is about adding to the beef’s natural flavor without overpowering it. A simple seasoning mix includes salt and pepper, which should be applied generously before the cooking process. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
These spices contribute layers of flavor without overpowering the beef. Fresh herbs can also be a great addition. Chopped parsley or cilantro can add a fresh note to your burgers. For a unique twist, try incorporating a seasoning blend like Montreal Steak Seasoning.
Why is shredded lettuce better on burgers?
Shredded lettuce is often preferred on burgers for several reasons. First, its texture provides a crisp bite that contrasts the burger’s juiciness. This crispness helps to create a balanced mouthfeel, enhancing the overall burger flavoring.
Shredded lettuce also distributes more evenly over the burger, ensuring that every bite has a crunch to it. Also, it is less likely to slide out of the burger compared to whole leaves. The shredded lettuce also helps to absorb some of the burger’s juices, preventing the juice from getting to the bun and making it soggy.
What keeps burgers juicy?
To keep burgers juicy, you need to start with a high quality fat ratio burger. This fat helps maintain moisture during cooking.To maintain juiciness, avoid overworking the meat when you are forming the patties, as this can lead to a dry meat.
Use high heat to sear the outside quickly, which locks in the juices. After cooking to preferred doneness, allow your meat to rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the beef.
Why should you put an ice cube in a burger?
Placing an ice cube in a burger patty is a clever trick to maintain its juiciness. As the burger cooks, the ice cube slowly melts, releasing moisture throughout the meat. This method is great for leaner cuts of ground beef that might otherwise dry out during cooking.
The added moisture helps to keep the interior of the burger tender and succulent. Additionally, the melting ice creates steam, which aids in cooking the burger more evenly without drying out the outer layers.
What should you not do when making burgers?
When making burgers, there are a few things that you should try to avoid. Avoid overworking the meat when handling the meat. Don’t press down the patty while they cook, this focuses the juice out, leading to dry burgers.
Over-seasoning the meat mixture can overpour the beef’s natural flavor. Avoid using lean ground beef, a higher fat content is essential for juicy burgers. Also, make sure that you do not skip out on your rest period after cooking.
What is the secret to a good hamburger?
The secret to a good burger lies in the quality of the meat and the cooking technique. Start with high-quality ground beef, ensuring a juicy patty, look for a ration of 80/20. Season the patties generously with salt and pepper just before cooking. Make sure to let the burgers rest after cooking.Finally use fresh, high-quality buns and toppings to complement the patty without overshadowing it.
Is it better to cook burgers with butter or oil?
Both butter and oil have their merits when cooking burgers, but the choice depends on the flavor and cooking method you are looking to use. Butter adds a rich, savory flavor and helps achieve a beautiful, caramelized crust.
However, butter has a lower smoke point, making it less suitable for high-heat cooking like grilling. Oil, particularly high smoke oils like canola or vegetable oil, is better suited for high-heat methods.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!