Sauerbraten Burgers
Sauerbraten Burgers blend savory ground beef with spiced gingersnap crumbs, raisins, and tangy vinegar, creating a flavorful, slightly sweet dish perfect for hearty, comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of gingersnaps and set aside.
- Mix remaining gingersnaps with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, chopped onion, raisins, and salt.
- Add ground beef to the mixture and combine well.
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties, each about 3/4 inch thick.
- Brown the patties in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Combine remaining tomato sauce, vinegar, water, mustard, brown sugar, pepper, and the reserved gingersnaps to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the browned burgers.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, spooning sauce over the meat occasionally.
- Remove the burgers from the skillet and keep warm.
- Stir the remaining gingersnaps into the sauce and cook until bubbly.
- Skim off any fat from the sauce and pour it over the burgers.
- Serve hot with cooked noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If gingersnaps aren't available, try using crushed ginger cookies or even graham crackers with a bit of added ground ginger. Make sure to not overcook the patties to keep them juicy. Pair the burgers with tangy mustard for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sauerbraten Burgers hot over a bed of hot, cooked noodles or rice for a comforting meal. They also pair wonderfully with a side salad for a fresh contrast. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside Potatoes In Beef Jackets or a vegetable medley. A dollop of sour cream can elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sauerbraten Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Cover to help them heat evenly, or microwave for a minute or two, checking frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauerbraten Burgers contains roughly 461 calories, with 9g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1606mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or tomato paste mixed with a little water. This will still provide the necessary moisture and acidity for the sauce, maintaining the dish's flavor profile.
How can I adjust the sweetness in the sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to balance the flavors without adding extra sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).