Beef, White Bean and Squash Burgers

 Ingredients:

For the Burgers:

• 1/2 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1/2 cup cooked white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and mashed
• 1/2 cup grated butternut squash (peeled and grated)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

For the Toppings:

• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Red onion slices
• Pickles
• Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, mashed white beans, grated butternut squash, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. If it seems too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs.

4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties.

5. Brush the grill or grill pan with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

6. Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while for medium, aim for 160°F (71°C).

7. During the last few minutes of cooking, you can lightly toast the burger buns on the grill until they are warm and slightly crispy.

8. Assemble your burgers by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a beef, white bean, and squash patty. Top with tomato slices, red onion slices, pickles, and any condiments you prefer, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard.

9. Place the top bun over the toppings to complete your burger.

10. Serve your Beef, White Bean, and Squash Burgers hot, alongside your favorite sides like potato chips or a fresh salad.

11. Enjoy this unique and flavorful burger twist that combines the richness of beef with the earthiness of white beans and the sweetness of butternut squash!

These burgers are a delightful way to sneak some extra vegetables into your meal while enjoying the classic flavors of a burger.

Chimichurri Chicken Burgers

 Ingredients:

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Patties:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chimichurri sauce (from above)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and red onion slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:

   • In a bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, minced shallot, red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Mix well, cover, and refrigerate the chimichurri sauce while you prepare the chicken patties.

For the Chicken Patties:

2. Make the Chicken Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of the chimichurri sauce.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

3. Form the Patties:

   • Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions.
   • Shape each portion into a patty, about the same size as your hamburger buns.
   • Use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

4. Cook the Patties:

   • Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the chicken patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
   • If using a grill, you can also lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill during the last minute of cooking.

5. Assemble the Burgers:

   • Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
   • Add a chicken patty on top of the lettuce.
   • Spoon some additional chimichurri sauce over the chicken patty.
   • Add tomato slices and red onion slices if desired.
   • Top with the other half of the hamburger bun.

6. Serve:

   • Serve your Chimichurri Chicken Burgers immediately, optionally with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.

These Chimichurri Chicken Burgers are bursting with fresh and zesty flavors, making them a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers. Enjoy this South American-inspired twist on a classic favorite!

Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy

 Ingredients:

For the Hamburger Steak:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Onion Gravy:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

For the Hamburger Steak:

1. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   • Gently mix until all the ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing, as it can make the patties tough.

2. Shape the Patties:

   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into oval or round patties, about 1/2-inch thick.

3. Cook the Patties:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
   • Add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

For the Onion Gravy:

4. Sauté the Onions:

   • In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat.
   • Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized.

5. Make the Gravy:

   • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions. Stir well to coat the onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly.
   • Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Return the Patties:

   • Return the cooked hamburger patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy.

7. Simmer:

   • Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are heated through and the flavors meld together.

8. Serve:

   • Serve your hamburger steak with onions and gravy hot, spooning the savory onion gravy over the top.
   • It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade hamburger steak, a comforting and hearty Southern dish that's perfect for satisfying your taste buds.