What to Put in Ground Beef for Juicy, Flavorful Burgers

Burgers are a backyard barbecue staple and beloved American comfort food. While a simple ground beef patty between buns is satisfying, adding extra ingredients to the burger mix can take your patties from boring to sensational With the right blend of flavors and textures, you can create the ultimate burger that will have everyone begging for seconds.

In this article, we’ll explore the wide variety of ingredients you can mix into ground beef to make irresistibly delicious burgers From classic add-ins like onions and Worcestershire sauce to creative options like peanut butter and marinara sauce, there are so many ways to customize your burgers to match your tastes We’ll also share tips on the best mixing techniques, cooking methods, and serving suggestions to help you craft the perfect homemade burger.

Why Add Extra Ingredients to Ground Beef?

While ground beef on its own has plenty of flavor and juiciness mixing in additional ingredients serves several purposes

• Enhances flavor – Ingredients like garlic, spices, herbs, sauces, etc. infuse the beef with more complex and dynamic flavors.

• Improves texture – Binders like eggs or breadcrumbs help the patties hold together better, while items like bacon add crunch.

• Adds moisture – Wet ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or barbecue sauce keep patties juicy and prevent dryness.

• Stretches the beef – Adding fillers like onions, carrots or mushrooms allows you to make more patties from the same amount of ground beef.

• Allows creativity – You can customize each burger recipe to match a theme, cuisine or specific flavors you love.

23 Delicious Mix-Ins for Juicy, Flavorful Burgers

Here are some of the most popular and creative ingredients to mix into your ground beef before making patties:

Basic Enhancers

• Onions – Diced onions caramelize as the patties cook, adding sweetness.

• Garlic – Minced garlic provides a delightful pungency.

• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and keeps patties moist.

• Breadcrumbs – Help retain moisture and hold the shape of patties.

• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth, smokiness and umami flavor.

• Dijon Mustard – Provides tangy flair.

• Salt and Pepper – Quintessential seasoning.

Meaty Add-Ins

• Bacon – Chopped bacon cooks right into the patties, providing a smoky crunch.

• Pepperoni or Salami – Adds spice and texture.

• Ground Pork – Adds fat and rich pork flavor when mixed with beef.

Cheese Burger Options

• Cheddar – Classic melted cheddar gives that nostalgic cheeseburger taste.

• Blue Cheese – Crumbles mix in to offer a bold, funky kick.

• Feta – Brings a tangy, salty Mediterranean vibe.

• Mozzarella – Melts deliciously into the meat.

Vegetable Mix-Ins

• Mushrooms – Diced mushrooms add an earthy, meaty quality.

• Carrots – Shredded carrots make for a sweet, intriguing flavor.

• Jalapenos – Diced jalapenos provide a mild heat.

• Sundried Tomatoes – Offer a sweet, acidic punch of flavor.

Saucy and Spicy Options

• Barbecue Sauce – Infuses burgers with tangy, smoky sweetness.

• Marinara Sauce – Provides a bright, tomatoey zing.

• Soy Sauce – Adds an umami salty-sweetness.

• Hot Sauce – Sriracha, Tabasco, etc. bring the heat.

• Horseradish – Mix in for extra zing and sinus-clearing bite.

• Spices – Chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc. spice up the flavor.

Offbeat Ideas

• Peanut Butter – For a Thai-inspired burger with an intriguing salty-sweet taste.

• Kimchi – The fermented cabbage adds tang and crunch.

• Pesto – Swirls of basil pesto create an Italian flair.

• Salsa – Fresh pico de gallo works wonders mixed into the patties.

• Olives – Chopped olives provide a briny burst.

Mixing Tips for the Best Burger Blend

• Use around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of mix-in ingredients per 1 pound of ground beef. Too many and the patties may fall apart.

• Try to use a ratio of 80% lean meat to 20% fat for optimal juiciness.

• Handle the meat gently when mixing to avoid overworking it, which can make patties dense.

• For even distribution of flavors, mix the ground beef and all ingredients together before forming patties.

• Use wet hands to shape the patties, compacting them just enough to hold together. Don’t overpack.

• Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up as they cook.

• Avoid dry mix-ins like herbs or spices, which can burn and turn bitter when cooked into patties. Sprinkle them on just before serving instead.

Cooking Methods for the Best Burgers

• Grilling – Gets great char while locking in juices. Use medium-high heat.

• Pan-frying – Cast iron skillets provide an excellent sear. Use medium heat.

• Griddling – Great for smashing thin patties. Use medium heat.

• Baking – Can bake at 450°F on a preheated sheet pan for thicker patties.

• Air Frying – At 360°F, air frying keeps patties tender inside and crispy outside.

• Sous Vide – Cooks burgers evenly edge-to-edge at lower temps like 135°F before searing.

Serving Suggestions

Burgers deserve to be served on soft, buttery buns or pretzel rolls with all your favorite toppings:

• Lettuce – Romaine, iceberg, arugula, etc. Adds crunch.

• Tomato – Sliced beefsteak tomatoes for juiciness.

• Onion – Red onion, grilled onions, crispy fried onions.

• Pickles – Dill pickles, bread & butter chips, etc.

• Cheese – American, cheddar, Swiss, provolone, etc.

• Bacon

• Avocado

• Mushrooms – Sauteed or grilled.

• Egg – Fried or over-easy.

Pair your dressed up burgers with sides like oven fries, potato salad, coleslaw, beans, or chips to complete the meal. The burger toppings and sides can match the theme of your patty mix-ins. And don’t forget the condiments! Ketchup, mustard, mayo, barbecue sauce – pick your favorites.

Final Thoughts

When using ground beef for burgers, think beyond just forming plain patties. Let your imagination run wild coming up with fun flavor combinations. Then by mixing in a variety of ingredients directly into the meat before cooking, you can make your burgers mouthwateringly moist and packed with taste.

Beef loves blending with condiments, spices, veggies, cheeses and more. Take your burger game up a notch by spiking your patties with any of the ingredients suggested above. Just keep in mind the mixing tips provided to end up with perfect patties that hold together on the grill or in the pan.

So explore all the options and get creative with your next batch of burgers! Customize them to match specific flavor cravings by mixing in your favorite ingredients. Your cooking skills will impress everyone at your next cookout when you serve gourmet patties bursting with delicious flavors.