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I Test Recipes for a Living—These Are the 5 Burgers I Actually Make All Summer Long

Sure, sometimes I keep burgers super simple. I’ll form ground beef into patties, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and cook them up in a cast-iron skillet. But other times, I’m looking for more flavor, more excitement. As the food director at REAL SIMPLE, I’ve developed and tested many, many burger recipes. These five are the ones that stand out, that my family requests, and that I’ve saved on MyRecipes to go back to again and again.

That’s all to say that whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a main dish for a backyard cookout, these burger recipes won’t disappoint. Round out the meal with a satisfying potato salad or pasta salad, maybe bake up a fruit dessert if you’re entertaining, and enjoy! Burger bliss awaits.

See a recipe you love on REAL SIMPLE? Sign up for MyRecipes to save it to your personal collection of favorites, and discover even more recipes from your favorite brands.

Banh-Mi Inspired Pork Burgers

Credit:

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart


There are so many layers of flavor in this burger. First, the pork itself is well-seasoned with sriracha, shallot, and garlic. Next, there’s a simple stir-together mayo-sriracha sauce slathered on the bun. And finally, there are quick-pickled carrots to add tanginess and crunch. It’s really a showstopper, and the most-requested burger at my house.

The Meatiest Veggie Burgers

Credit:

Antonis Achilleos


I am not a vegetarian, but I do eat a lot of veggie burgers. Sadly, most of them are disappointing. Not this one. There is a ton of umami packed into the patty. The base is made from black beans and savory mushrooms. One by one, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and soy sauce level up the flavors, making this the most satisfying veggie burger you’ll ever try.

Italian Sausage Burgers

Credit:

Greg DuPree


This recipe comes from Ali Rosen’s cookbook 15-Minute Meals, and yup, that timeline is no lie. The secret here is to use Italian sausage meat to form the patties. Sausage is already so flavorful that it needs no additional seasoning. While the patties cook, you’ll soak some onion in vinegar to soften its bite. And finally, you’ll top the patties with cheese and store-bought roasted red peppers. So much flavor in so little time!

Speedy Salmon Burgers

Credit: Greg DuPree

Canned salmon comes to the rescue in these pantry-friendly, protein-packed burgers. The salmon is seasoned simply with Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, then quickly cooked in a skillet. A stir-together sauce of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and horseradish adds creamy richness to this healthy weeknight winner.

Shaved Onion Patty Melts

Credit:

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless


I have never eaten an Oklahoma onion burger, the regional delicacy that inspired this recipe. So I can’t say how authentic this rendition is, but it sure is tasty. American cheese and dill pickle chips add classic flavor, but it’s the onions that caramelize alongside and then finish on top of the patty that make this burger extra special. Griddling the buns is the icing on top of the cake (so to speak).


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