Combo Burgers
Equipment
- outside gril
Ingredients
- 1/6 cup bottled chili sauce
- 1 lbs combination of lean ground sirloin lean ground pork, and lean ground veal
- Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
- 1/6 cup ground oats
- 1 1/3 Tbs ice water
- Salt to taste
- 2/3 small onion minced
- 1 1/3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare an outside grill with an oiled rack set 4 inches above the heat source.
- On a gas grill, set the heat to high.
- Combine 1 lbs combination of lean ground sirloin, lean ground pork, and lean ground veal with 1 1/3 tablespoons ice water, 1/6 cup ground oats, 1/6 cup bottled chili sauce, 2/3 small minced onion, 1 1/3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, salt to taste, and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
- Shape the mixture into 6 patties.
- Grill the burgers for 10 minutes until they are crusty outside and slightly pink inside.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Advice
Serve these combo burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and cheese. Accompany with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or crispy fries for a satisfying meal. A simple green salad or grilled vegetables also complement the smoky flavors well. Offer condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise to suit different tastes. These burgers are perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor barbecues.Variations
For a different flavor profile, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. You can substitute the bottled chili sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce or a spicy hot sauce for more heat. For a gluten-free option, replace ground oats with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. To make smaller sliders, shape the mixture into smaller patties and reduce grilling time accordingly. Adding a slice of cheese on top during the last minute of grilling creates a classic cheeseburger variation.Wine Advice
Zinfandel: Zinfandel's bold fruitiness and peppery notes complement the rich flavors of the mixed meats and the slight spiciness from the chili sauce, enhancing the overall taste experience. Malbec: Malbec offers a smooth, medium-bodied profile with dark fruit flavors and subtle smokiness that pairs well with grilled meats, balancing the savory and slightly sweet elements of the burgers. Pair these burgers with a sparkling water infused with lemon or a chilled iced tea with a splash of fruit juice for a refreshing non-alcoholic option. Estimated ingredient cost: USD 3.50 per serving, excluding optional sides and drinks. Local prices vary. Missing nutrition values have been estimated per serving; existing values were retained. Assumptions: Nutrition values are estimated per one serving out of four, assuming the use of lean ground sirloin, pork, and veal blend, with standard bottled chili sauce and Worcestershire sauce. The ground oats contribute minimal carbohydrates and fiber. Salt and pepper amounts are typical for seasoning. Serving size is based on one patty from the six formed. Optional sides and drinks are excluded.Nutrition values
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Ingredients and Flavor Profile
This recipe uses a combination of lean ground sirloin, lean ground pork, and lean ground veal to create a burger with a balanced flavor and texture. The sirloin provides a robust beefy taste, while the pork adds juiciness and the veal contributes tenderness. Ground oats act as a binder, helping to hold the patties together without overpowering the flavor. Bottled chili sauce introduces a mild tangy heat that complements the meat blend, and Worcestershire sauce adds depth with its umami richness. Minced onion enhances the savory notes and moisture content. Salt and freshly ground black pepper season the mixture to taste, ensuring a well-rounded flavor. This combination results in burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and slightly spicy, perfect for grilling. The inclusion of ice water in the mixture plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture and improving the texture of the patties. It helps the proteins in the meat bind together more effectively, resulting in a juicier and more tender burger. The ground oats not only act as a binder but also contribute a subtle nuttiness and slight chewiness, enhancing the overall mouthfeel without overpowering the meat's natural flavors. The bottled chili sauce, while mild, introduces a subtle sweetness alongside its tang, balancing the savory and spicy elements. Worcestershire sauce is a key ingredient that adds complexity through its fermented, slightly sweet, and tangy notes. It enhances the umami character of the meat blend, making the flavor profile richer and more layered. The minced onion not only adds moisture but also releases natural sugars during cooking, which caramelize slightly on the grill, contributing to the burger's savory depth. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for highlighting these flavors and ensuring the seasoning penetrates the meat evenly. The combination of three different meats—sirloin, pork, and veal—creates a unique balance of flavors and textures. Sirloin provides a lean, beefy backbone, pork adds fat and juiciness, and veal offers a delicate tenderness. This blend prevents the burger from becoming too dry or tough, which can happen with single-meat patties. The careful balance of these ingredients results in a burger that is flavorful yet light, with a pleasant texture that holds up well on the grill.
Practical Preparation and Cooking Tips
Preparing these combo burgers is straightforward and ideal for outdoor grilling. Start by preheating the grill and oiling the rack to prevent sticking. Mixing the meats with the other ingredients ensures even seasoning and moisture distribution. Shaping the mixture into six patties allows for consistent cooking times. Grilling over high heat for about 10 minutes creates a crusty exterior while keeping the inside slightly pink, which is safe when using fresh ground meats and ensures juiciness. Using an outside grill set about 4 inches above the heat source helps control the cooking temperature and prevents flare-ups. It is important to handle the patties gently to avoid compacting the meat too much, which can make the burgers dense. Letting the burgers rest briefly after grilling allows juices to redistribute for optimal flavor. When mixing the ingredients, it is best to combine them gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to a dense and tough burger. Using your hands or a large spoon, fold the ingredients together just until evenly distributed. Chilling the mixture briefly before shaping the patties can help them hold their shape better during grilling. Forming uniform patties ensures even cooking and prevents some from drying out while others remain undercooked. During grilling, it is helpful to press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up excessively. This technique promotes even cooking and helps maintain a flat surface for better contact with the grill. Monitoring the grill temperature and adjusting the height of the rack if necessary can prevent flare-ups caused by dripping fat, which can char the burgers. Turning the patties only once or twice during cooking helps develop a good crust and keeps the interior juicy. After grilling, allow the burgers to rest on a plate for a few minutes before serving. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the patty, enhancing moisture and flavor. If desired, cover the burgers loosely with foil to retain warmth. For ease of serving, prepare buns and toppings in advance, so guests can customize their burgers quickly. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level while maintaining the desired doneness.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These combo burgers are versatile and can be served in many ways. Classic accompaniments include toasted buns, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese. For a more gourmet touch, consider adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices. Side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables complement the smoky flavors well. For dietary adaptations, the recipe can be modified by substituting ground oats with gluten-free alternatives or adjusting seasoning to reduce sodium. Variations include adding fresh herbs or different sauces to the meat mixture for unique flavor twists. These burgers are perfect for casual family dinners, barbecues, or parties, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that appeals to a wide range of tastes. To elevate the presentation, consider serving these combo burgers with a variety of condiments such as spicy mustard, garlic aioli, or a smoky barbecue sauce. Adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to the toppings can introduce a bright contrast to the rich meat flavors. For a textural contrast, include crunchy elements like sliced radishes or pickled jalapeños. Offering a selection of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy blue cheese, allows for personalized flavor enhancements. For a lighter meal option, serve the burgers open-faced on a bed of mixed greens or alongside a crisp cucumber salad. Grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make excellent side dishes that complement the smoky notes of the burgers. Incorporating whole grain or seeded buns can add nutritional value and a pleasant chewiness. For a low-carb alternative, lettuce wraps can be used instead of traditional buns without sacrificing flavor. When planning meals, these combo burgers can be prepared in larger batches and kept warm in a low oven for serving at gatherings. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate additions like finely chopped fresh herbs or spices mixed into the meat for seasonal variations. Leftover patties can be repurposed by slicing and adding to sandwiches or salads. This versatility makes the recipe suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and more festive occasions. Browse our burgers recipes for more ideas. General kitchen guidance is available from the FDA.