Special Hamburger
A hearty homemade hamburger packed with fresh vegetables, savory beef, and topped with ketchup, perfect for casual family dinners or weekend barbecues.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, green pepper, small onion, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Moisten bread slices with water and add to the mixture along with saltine cracker crumbs; mix until moist.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Fry the patties in medium heat until cooked through.
- Cover the patties with ketchup and let simmer.
- Flip the patties and add more ketchup on the other side, then simmer again.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey can be used instead of beef. For added crunch, finely diced celery can replace green pepper. Remember not to overmix the meat, as this can lead to dense patties. Also, try using homemade breadcrumbs for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these special hamburgers with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with a tangy coleslaw for added crunch. Consider topping with cheese, pickles, or your favorite condiments. For a hearty twist, serve alongside the 'T'Errific Salisbury Skillet for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Hamburger contains roughly 559 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1181mg per serving (51% 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 freeze the hamburger patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months. To cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the cooking instructions as usual.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your patties are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Alternatively, you can cut one open to check that the juices run clear and there is no pink meat inside.
Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding shredded cheese, diced mushrooms, or even spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor. Just ensure that any added ingredients don’t overwhelm the meat mixture and keep the overall consistency manageable.
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).