Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

james beard's favorite hamburgers

(2 ratings)
Recipe by
Martha Price
San Jose, CA

The incomparable chef James Beard contributed this recipe to an article published many years ago in the food section of my hometown newspaper. These patties are moist and flavorful, with a savory, mild taste that pairs well with toppings of all kinds - whether spicy, sweet, or ethnic. Use whatever meat to fat ratio ground beef you desire. Best to use a mild tasting oil (such as Canola) so as not to "clash" with your desired toppings. My family loves these!

(2 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 5 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For james beard's favorite hamburgers

  • 2 lb
    ground beef
  • 3 Tbsp
    grated onion
  • 1 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    pepper
  • 2 - 4 Tbsp
    heavy cream - use larger amount with leaner beef
  • 3 Tbsp
    oil
  • 3 Tbsp
    butter
  • cheese of your choice, sliced (optional)

How To Make james beard's favorite hamburgers

  • 1
    Pat the ground beef into a rather flat, large patty. Grate onion directly over meat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon cream over meat.
  • 2
    Blend well - but gently - with your hands until combined.
  • 3
    Form meat into four patties. - for rare burgers, make patties about 1 and 1/4 inches thick.
  • 4
    Heat oil and butter together into a heavy (preferably iron) skillet. When quite hot, add patties and cook to desired doneness. Turn only once or twice while cooking, and DO NOT press meat down with spatula.
  • 5
    When done to your liking, add a slice of cheese, if using. Heat from burgers will melt cheese slightly. Prepare buns as desired.
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