You Can'T Beat A Burger

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy, flavorful burgers topped with melted cheese, fresh onions, and pickles, all draped in a rich tomato sauce—perfect for casual gatherings and burger lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce with mushrooms
  • 1 1/4 tsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. dried whole oregano
  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 6 slices process American cheese
  • 6 slices onion
  • 6 slices dill pickle

Instructions

  1. Combine tomato sauce, sugar, and oregano in a small saucepan. Reserve 1/3 cup of the mixture; set aside.
  2. Cook remaining mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
  3. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  4. Combine ground beef, 1/3 cup reserved sauce, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  5. Shape into 6 patties about 3/4-inch thick.
  6. Place burgers on the rack of a broiler pan.
  7. Broil 5 inches from heat for 5 minutes on each side or until burgers reach desired doneness.
  8. Place patties on bottom halves of buns; top each with a slice of cheese, onion, and dill pickle.
  9. Broil until cheese melts.
  10. Spoon sauce over patties and cover with top halves of buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing in some Worcestershire sauce with the ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option. If you want a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños to the patties or topping them with hot sauce. Pairing your burgers with a side of fries or a salad can balance the meal perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burgers with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a creamy coleslaw for an added crunch. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside a slice of Pizza Burger Pie, which can complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or broil them briefly in the oven to keep the buns crispy. The sauce can also be reheated on the stove over low heat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of You Can'T Beat A Burger contains roughly 544 calories, with 15g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1694mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).

544 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.2g 30% DV
Total Fat 29.1g 37% DV
Carbs 56.7g 21% DV
Fiber 6.8g 24% DV
Sugar 26g 52% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1693.6mg 74% DV
Potassium 568.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 51.3mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 97.1mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 211.3mg 16% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 burger patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld. If you want to make them even further ahead, shape the patties and freeze them, separating each with parchment paper, for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for American cheese?

If you're looking for an alternative to American cheese, try using cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for some heat. Each type of cheese will melt differently, so keep an eye on them while broiling to ensure they reach your desired meltiness.

Can I grill the burgers instead of broiling?

Absolutely! Grilling the burgers adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked properly.

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).

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