Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
Summer barbecues are right around the corner and, oh boy, do I have a treat for you! It's the kind of dish that’ll make your friends and family cheer: the 50 50 hamburger. Picture this: a rich beefy burger with a hidden twist—finely chopped crimini mushrooms mixed in for an extra layer of flavor and moisture. It complements a sunny afternoon with just the right amount of indulgence, served with crispy fries or a fresh salad and the chilled beverages of your choice. Grab your apron; it’s about to get delicious!
The 50 50 hamburger, a winning combination of ground beef and finely chopped mushrooms, brings the best of both worlds into a single bite. This innovative approach not only enhances the burger's flavor profile but also increases its juiciness, which is often a challenge with standard beef patties. The mushrooms are finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the mix, making it a fun surprise for mushroom fanatics and skeptics alike. You’ll soon realize this recipe is a showstopper, perfect for your next cookout or weeknight dinner.
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Creating the perfect 50 50 hamburger requires some simple yet impactful ingredients. Ground beef forms the burger's base—the source of its traditional flavor. To elevate this classic, I’ve incorporated finely chopped crimini mushrooms. When pulsed in the food processor, they integrate beautifully and keep the burgers moist. A punch of taco seasoning adds an unexpected kick. Together with fresh parsley, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, they transform the palate experience. To top it all off, we’re adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, and creamy smashed avocado that rounds out the dish.
Here’s what you'll need to whip up these delicious hamburgers:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound crimini mushrooms, processed until finely minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (your favorite blend)
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (new addition for flavor)
- 4 slices pepperjack cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1-2 avocados, smashed and sprinkled with salt and pepper
Making a 50 50 hamburger is straightforward and quite forgiving, making it excellent for both newbie cooks and seasoned pros. Follow these simple steps and let’s fire up those grills (or your skillet if that’s more your style)!
Start by transferring the ground beef and the finely chopped crimini mushrooms into a large mixing bowl. Make sure the mushrooms are really chopped finely. It’s crucial because you want them to blend in with the beef, avoiding any funky mushroom chunks. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, dried parsley, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to gently combine all these ingredients, ensuring everything is well mixed, but don’t overwork it. Next, form the mixture into two patties, about ½ inch thick.
Heat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Once it's nice and hot, place the patties onto the grill. Cook them for about 4-6 minutes on each side for medium doneness. When there’s about a minute left in cooking, lay the slices of pepperjack cheese on top of each patty. Cover with a lid if you have one; this helps the cheese melt beautifully.
While the burgers are grilling, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil for good measure. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Sauté them fajita-style until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also brings a lovely sweetness to the dish.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, it's time to build your burgers. Start by toasting your burger buns if you haven’t already. Place each cheeseburger patty on its respective bun, then generously top with the sautéed veggies. Finally, add a serving of the smashed avocado, seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, for that creamy finish. Close the bun, dig in, and enjoy every delicious bite!
- Mushroom Choices: Bounce between using cremini or button mushrooms based on your availability—the taste experience won’t change much.
- Seasoning Variability: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning based on your preference. A spicier mix can give your burgers an extra kick.
- Patty Thickness: Keep patties uniform and consistent in thickness for even cooking.
- Resting Time: Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Bun Preference: Use whole grain or gluten-free buns to suit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
If you have leftovers, store them properly. Place the burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Feel free to separate the patties from the sautéed veggies if preferred. You can reheat the patties on a skillet or grill; just add a splash of water to the pan and cover to keep the burgers moist as they warm. The sautéed veggies can be reheated on medium-low until warm.
These 50 50 hamburgers are not just delicious but also pack a decent nutritional punch. Each burger holds around 500 calories, depending on your choice of bun and toppings. With protein from the beef and mushrooms along with healthy fats from the avocado, it’s a meal that keeps you satisfied. Plus, you get added vitamins and minerals from the veggies!
1. Serve with Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries complements the savory burger.
2. Pair with a Side Salad: A crunchy green salad dressed in light vinaigrette balances all the flavors.
3. Add Pickles for Crunch: Dill pickles add a tangy crunch that brightens each bite.
4. Craft a Burger Bar: Invite friends to customize with their favorite toppings, like jalapeños, different cheeses, or aioli.
5. Offer Grilled Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn pairs amazingly well with burgers—smother it in zesty lime and chili for an extra treat!
1. Ground Turkey Instead of Beef: Lean and a bit lighter—great for a different flavor profile.
2. Quinoa for a Meatless Option: Substitute the beef with cooked quinoa for a vegetarian twist.
3. Different Cheese Varieties: Try cheddar or even blue cheese for a different taste.
4. Hummus Instead of Smashed Avocado: Adds a delightful creaminess with a unique flavor.
5. Cilantro Instead of Parsley: Use fresh cilantro for a hint of brightness in the flavor profile.
The 50 50 hamburger is not just a culinary trend; it’s a step towards making healthier choices while enjoying comfort food. Mixing ground beef with mushrooms injects moisture, flavor, and sneaks some vegetables into the mix—an easy win for any home cook. So, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or prepping dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to impress! Grab your grill, your favorite toppings, and let’s get those burgers sizzling!
The 50 50 hamburger, a winning combination of ground beef and finely chopped mushrooms, brings the best of both worlds into a single bite. This innovative approach not only enhances the burger's flavor profile but also increases its juiciness, which is often a challenge with standard beef patties. The mushrooms are finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the mix, making it a fun surprise for mushroom fanatics and skeptics alike. You’ll soon realize this recipe is a showstopper, perfect for your next cookout or weeknight dinner.
Servings 4
- Mushroom Choices: Bounce between using cremini or button mushrooms based on your availability—the taste experience won’t change much.
- Seasoning Variability: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning based on your preference. A spicier mix can give your burgers an extra kick.
- Patty Thickness: Keep patties uniform and consistent in thickness for even cooking.
- Resting Time: Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Bun Preference: Use whole grain or gluten-free buns to suit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Iris Miller is a registered dietitian and the creator of Friendsgiving Food Ideas, a blog dedicated to festive, accessible recipes that bring people together. Based in Colorado, Iris combines her passion for nutrition and love of celebrations to create crowd-pleasing dishes for holidays and special occasions. Her goal is to make hosting easy, fun, and inclusive for all dietary needs.