Steakhouse Burger

Summer is meant for grilling, we have multiple dinners prepared outside each week. And that means burgers and brats will find their way onto our menu quite often as well. Hamburgers aren't always my most favorite, but especially in the summer they generally sound good.

I prefer the usual toppings on mine: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, ketchup and mustard. I'm also not much of a cheeseburger fan, I like cheese but just not on my burgers. The meat should be well seasoned and my bun toasted. And well done, not much pink for me, I'm getting better, as the hubby absolutely prefers rare meat. That's the perfect burger in my opinion.

We made these for dinner this past week, as it had been awhile and they represent a good typical burger for me. I think my onion and tomato are hiding under my bun there, but it was good. My big tomatoes have yet to ripen so we grabbed a couple from the farmers' market earlier that day. Oh and that bright colorful salad looking thing on my plate? That's a little creativity and using up of old veggies in the fridge. We enjoyed it as both a salad and a salsa sort of dip with tortilla chips. I love simple summer meals like this one. And that color, I absolutely love all the bright, beautiful colors on our dinner plates this time of year!


Steakhouse Burger

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
black pepper
Lawry's seasoning salt
Buns, toasted on grill

Directions:
Preheat grill.

In a large bowl, combine together meat and all the seasonings. I don't usually measure the pepper and salt, just a good sprinkle in of both will work. Form meat into patties, you should get six or so depending on size.

Grill burgers until nicely browned on the first side, about 7-8 minutes. Then flip using a spatula and let cook on the other side until meat has reached desired doneness. If desired, toast buns on grill before serving. Remove burgers and buns from grill, serve warm with favorite toppings.

Italian Burgers

Everyday at summer school when we take the kiddos outside I love to peek at the raised garden beds. They are filled with lettuce, spinach, peppers, tomatoes and tons of herbs. The basil plant is full of luscious leaves, far better looking than my own at home. I picked a small handful to bring home, with these burgers in mind.

Some of my favorite summer flavors shine through in this sandwich. I can't get enough of the basil and those juicy, ripe tomatoes make for a great topper. I kept this on the simple side, you can certainly mix up a fancy sauce or butter to slather on top. But I think good ol' ketchup is enough...or leave it off if you're not a fan.

Serve these burgers on toasted buns hot off the grill. Your family will thank you, and your stomach too! Enjoy!


Italian Burgers

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs ground beef
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 basil leaves, finely diced
6 slices mozzarella cheese
6 buns,toasted
sliced tomato
lettuce
additional basil leaves, if desired

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix in Italian seasoning, pepper and basil into ground beef. Form six patties out of the meat and set aside.

Cook patties on grill for about 10 minutes each side, or to the doneness of your liking. Right before removing from grill, add a slice of cheese to each burger. Let cook just until cheese is melted and then remove from grill.

Serve burgers on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, additional basil leaves if desired and any other toppings you like. Makes 6 burgers.

Meatloaf Burgers

I'm really sorry if seeing raw meat grosses you out, for the purpose of this series it just helps to show you photos such as above.

I've talked about these burgers a few times before. We first tried them almost two years ago when my friend Ally shared the recipe on her blog. I have since included them in my latest freezer meal basket for my good friend and they also enjoyed them as well.

My hubby is not a fan of meatloaf, at all. So I get that some of you might be turned away at the name. But I encourage you to just try these. They're really flavorful and if you've got ripe, juicy tomatoes from the garden, that will be the perfect topping! Along with pickles, ketchup and mustard of course.

Any sort of prepared burger patty is another great item to keep in your freezer. Whether they're seasoned with your favorite spices or something more creative like these or another favorite of ours: grated cheese, Lawry's, pepper and barbecue sauce. During the grilling season, having these prepped ahead can be a lifesaver. You've already done all the hard work! It's all about making our lives just a little less complicated and I'm all for that.

Meatloaf Burgers

Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef
3/4 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/4 cup quick oats
2 eggs
1/3 cup ketchup
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Dash of Lawry's, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder

Directions:
Into a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Using your hands or a large spoon, mix everything together really well.Form into 8 equal sized patties.

To freeze: place patties onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours or until frozen. Remove from freezer, wrap each patty in foil. Place all burgers into a large freezer bag that has been labeled and dated. Freeze until ready to use. When ready to use; let thaw and then cook on the grill to your desired preference.

Makes 8 patties. I recommend using within six months.