Gourmet Beef Burger
Back in May 2023, I had the pleasure of creating this delicious gourmet beef burger recipe for Wanda Farm. Their grass-fed, nutrient-dense beef is the kind of quality ingredient that elevates even a simple burger to something memorable. Since then, these beef burgers have become a go-to favorite in our home—juicy, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few pantry staples.
Now, I’m excited to bring this recipe to my blog so even more home cooks can enjoy it. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout or just craving a better burger night, this recipe delivers. The key is starting with the best beef you can get your hands on—Wanda Farm’s ground beef is packed with flavor and raised with care.
Grab your skillet or fire up the grill—let’s make beef burgers that are anything but basic.
Recipe Steps
A gourmet burger isn’t defined by the cut of meat or cooking method. It’s all about the elevated, upscale toppings and flavor combinations that take it beyond the basic backyard burger.
Most burger recipes recommend using an 80/20 ground beef blend for juiciness, but the lean ground beef from Wanda Farm is both healthier and naturally flavorful. The only challenge with leaner beef is that it can dry out more easily during cooking. One pro tip I discovered through research: add ½ teaspoon of baking soda per pound of ground beef. The baking soda raises the pH of the meat, which helps prevent the proteins from binding too tightly. This results in less moisture loss and a juicier burger—even with lean beef.
That said, baking soda can sometimes cause patties to puff up as they cook. To avoid this, simply press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb before grilling.
Finally, skip the egg or breadcrumbs. While often used to bind meat in dishes like meatloaf, these additions aren’t necessary for burgers and can actually lead to a denser, less juicy texture. For the best results, keep it simple and let the quality of the meat shine.
Gourmet Beef Burger
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Grass Fed Organic Ground Beef
- 2 cloves garlic peeled & minced
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. BBQ sauce
- ½ yellow onion grated or finely minced
- 1 tsp. baking soda
Optional
- 4 slices cheese of your choice
- 2-3 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 8-10 dill pickle chips
- ½ onion chopped & grilled
Instructions
- Grate or finely mince the onion. In a large bowl, combine the onion with all the spices, baking soda, BBQ sauce, and ground beef. Mix just until combined—avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to dense burgers.
- Divide the meat into four equal portions. For uniform patties, use a kitchen scale. To shape the burgers, gently press each portion into a Pyrex bowl lid or burger press, then invert onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining portions.
- Cook the patties over medium-high heat on a grill or in a cast iron skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking—this squeezes out the juices. Also, try to flip them only once for the best texture and moisture.Tip: If using a skillet, add 2 teaspoons of avocado oil to prevent sticking and withstand high heat.
- While the burgers rest, toast your buns if using. Toasting not only adds crunch but also helps them hold up to juicy toppings. Prefer a low-carb option? Wrap your burger in crisp green leaf lettuce instead.
- Assemble your burgers with your favorite gourmet toppings. We love ours with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a slice of provolone cheese. Enjoy!
Victoria Cook
Victoria is a passionate home cook who became the host and chef of over 100 episodes of a private cooking show tailored for wellness practitioners and their patients. With a love for ethnic cuisines, she enjoys using a variety of spices and fresh ingredients to create flavorful, healthy meals for her husband and son. Always up for a culinary challenge, Victoria finds joy in experimenting with new recipes—and if she can whip them up in an electric pressure cooker, she’s even happier.
Affiliate Disclosure
This website includes affiliate links for products I genuinely love and use. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
