To prevent homemade ground beef burgers from breaking apart on barbecues, you can add certain ingredients that act as binders and help hold the meat together. Here are some common ingredients you can include in your burger mixture:
Breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs to the ground beef mixture helps absorb excess moisture, which can contribute to the burger's stability. Use plain breadcrumbs, and avoid seasoned ones to maintain the burger's flavor profile.
Egg: Beating an egg and mixing it into the ground beef can act as an excellent binder, helping the meat adhere together during cooking. One large egg per pound of ground beef is usually sufficient.
Onion and Garlic: Finely chopped onions and garlic not only add flavor to the burgers but also help bind the ingredients together.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add a savory umami flavor while helping to hold the burgers together.
Mustard: Dijon or regular mustard can also be used as a binder and flavor enhancer for your burgers.
Mayonnaise: A small amount of mayonnaise can contribute to moisture and binding properties in the ground beef mixture.
Cheese: Adding grated or crumbled cheese (like cheddar or feta) to the burger mixture can provide some binding while adding a tasty surprise in the center of the patty.
Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, adding a bit to the burger mixture can be an excellent binding agent.
It's essential to find the right balance of these ingredients to prevent the burgers from becoming too mushy or losing their meaty flavor. Start by adding a small amount of each binder and adjust as needed. Also, avoid overworking the meat mixture, as excessive handling can make the burgers tough. Mix the ingredients gently until they are just combined.
After forming the patties, it's helpful to chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before grilling. Chilling allows the binders to set and firm up the burgers, reducing the risk of breaking apart during cooking.
By using some or all of these binding ingredients, you can improve the texture and stability of your homemade ground beef burgers, making them perfect for barbecues and outdoor grilling.