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Cozy Budget Hamburgers Recipe with Soft Homemade Buns Easy and Perfect

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A simple, budget-friendly recipe for juicy homemade hamburgers served on soft, pillowy buns. Perfect for quick, comforting meals with pantry staple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 3 ½ cups (440g), sifted
  • Active dry yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet)
  • Warm water – 1 cup (240ml), around 110°F/43°C
  • Milk – ½ cup (120ml), whole or 2%
  • Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons
  • Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons, melted
  • Salt – 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Egg – 1 large (for dough and egg wash)
  • Ground beef (80/20 blend) – 1 pound (450g), fresh and cold
  • Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
  • Optional toppings & condiments: sliced cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, and egg. Pour yeast mixture and wet ingredients into the flour.
  3. Knead dough with a dough hook for 7 minutes or by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
  4. Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (about 85g each). Shape each into a smooth ball.
  6. Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Beat an egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over buns for a shiny, golden finish.
  9. Bake buns for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
  10. Mix ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper gently.
  11. Divide beef mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz/113g each). Flatten to about ¾ inch thick and make a small indentation in the center.
  12. Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Add cheese slices in last minute if desired.
  13. Slice buns horizontally and assemble burgers with patties and desired toppings. Serve warm.

Notes

Use Fleischmann’s yeast for consistent rise. For dairy-free buns, substitute milk and butter with unsweetened almond milk and coconut oil. Avoid over-flouring dough to keep buns soft. Let patties rest after cooking for juicier burgers. Freeze buns after baking and thaw before warming. Toast buns lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget hamburgers, homemade buns, easy burger recipe, soft buns, quick dinner, comfort food, beef patties

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/cozy-budget-hamburgers-recipe-with-soft-homemade-buns-easy-and-perfect/