Comfort Hamburgers (or Cheeseburgers)
Simple, flavorful comfort hamburgers with few ingredients. Low salt, easy to make, plus tips for grilling, binding, and healthy swaps.
Very few ingredients, but very big impact. Full of flavors that entice you to settle in and feel warm all over, with very little if any salt.
Submitted by: Monica Talmud from West Orange, New Jersey
Yield: 4-6 burgers
- A few pantry spices plus grated parmesan give big, savory flavor without much salt.
- Mix by hand and firmly toss or pat the patties, then chill so they hold together while cooking.
- Grill or pan-sear to an internal temp of 160°F, and use whole grain buns or lots of veggies for a healthier meal.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ground beef should I use?
Use 80/20 ground chuck for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat cooks drier, so if you use 90/10 add a little olive oil or an extra egg yolk to keep the patties moist.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients with your hands until evenly combined, then form patties and firmly toss or pat them between your hands. Chill the patties for about 20 minutes before cooking so they set. Avoid overworking the meat and make a small dimple in the center to help them cook flat.
Can I grill or pan-fry these? What are the cook times?
Both work well. Cook on a hot grill or in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. For standard 3/4 inch patties, cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium. Use an instant-read thermometer and aim for 160°F (71°C) for ground beef safety.
Do I need to add salt to the mix?
Salt is optional. The spices and parmesan add a lot of savory flavor, so many people find salt unnecessary. If you prefer salt, add a small pinch to the mix or sprinkle lightly after cooking.
What can I substitute for parmesan or chili powder?
For parmesan try pecorino, aged cheddar, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free umami boost. Swap the chili powder for curry powder for a different warm spice profile, or use your favorite burger seasoning blend.
Can I make these burgers ahead or freeze them?
Yes. Form patties, separate layers with parchment, and freeze flat in a single layer. Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, or cook from frozen adding a few extra minutes per side.
How can I make this burger healthier or diabetic friendly?
Choose whole grain or high-fiber buns, load up on fresh veggies, or skip the bun and wrap the burger in lettuce for fewer carbs. Use leaner ground meat if desired and control portion size for better blood sugar management.
What type of ground beef should I use?
Use 80/20 ground chuck for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat cooks drier, so if you use 90/10 add a little olive oil or an extra egg yolk to keep the patties moist.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients with your hands until evenly combined, then form patties and firmly toss or pat them between your hands. Chill the patties for about 20 minutes before cooking so they set. Avoid overworking the meat and make a small dimple in the center to help them cook flat.
Can I grill or pan-fry these? What are the cook times?
Both work well. Cook on a hot grill or in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. For standard 3/4 inch patties, cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium. Use an instant-read thermometer and aim for 160°F (71°C) for ground beef safety.
Do I need to add salt to the mix?
Salt is optional. The spices and parmesan add a lot of savory flavor, so many people find salt unnecessary. If you prefer salt, add a small pinch to the mix or sprinkle lightly after cooking.
What can I substitute for parmesan or chili powder?
For parmesan try pecorino, aged cheddar, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free umami boost. Swap the chili powder for curry powder for a different warm spice profile, or use your favorite burger seasoning blend.
Can I make these burgers ahead or freeze them?
Yes. Form patties, separate layers with parchment, and freeze flat in a single layer. Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, or cook from frozen adding a few extra minutes per side.
How can I make this burger healthier or diabetic friendly?
Choose whole grain or high-fiber buns, load up on fresh veggies, or skip the bun and wrap the burger in lettuce for fewer carbs. Use leaner ground meat if desired and control portion size for better blood sugar management.
You mention unagi which is Japanese for eel. I think you mean umami.