Uncle Bill's Hamburger Patties
Some recipes don’t come from cookbooks—they come from family kitchens, handwritten notes, and generations of shared meals. Uncle Bill’s Hamburger Patties are exactly that kind of recipe. Simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying, these patties are seasoned just right, pan-seared until golden, and finished to juicy perfection.
This is the kind of no-nonsense hamburger patty that tastes like home.
Why Uncle Bill’s Hamburger Patties Are So Good
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Old-school technique that keeps patties tender
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Pan-seared flavor with a perfect crust
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Minimal ingredients that let the beef shine
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Versatile for burgers, gravy dishes, or country dinners
This recipe has been passed down because it works—every single time.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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1 large egg
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½ cup crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp yellow mustard
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 tsp kosher salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp oil or butter (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Patties
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, crushed crackers, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
2. Shape
Divide mixture into four equal portions. Shape into round or oval patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
3. Pan-Sear
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook 4–5 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through.
4. Rest & Serve
Remove patties from skillet and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Uncle Bill’s Secret Tips
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Saltines beat breadcrumbs for tenderness
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Mustard adds depth without tasting “mustardy”
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Medium heat prevents dry patties
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Don’t press down on patties while cooking
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
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Country-Style: Serve with brown gravy and mashed potatoes
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Burger Night: Add cheese and serve on toasted buns
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Onion Lovers: Mix in ¼ cup finely diced onion
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Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne
What to Serve with Uncle Bill’s Hamburger Patties
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Buttered corn or green beans
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Skillet gravy
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Fried potatoes or hash browns
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Simple side salad
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Refrigerate: Cooked patties keep up to 4 days
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Freeze: Raw or cooked patties freeze well up to 3 months
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill these instead of pan-fry?
Yes—grill over medium heat and oil the grates well.
Why use an egg?
It binds the patties and keeps them juicy.
Can I skip the crackers?
You can, but they’re key to the classic tender texture.
Final Thoughts
Uncle Bill’s Hamburger Patties are proof that the best recipes don’t need to be fancy. They’re rich with nostalgia, packed with flavor, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to Sunday comfort meals.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1⁄2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1⁄2 cup crushed soda crackers or 1⁄2 cup fine dry breadcrumb
- 3⁄4 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons hickory barbecue sauce
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together ground round, beaten eggs, onions, soda crackers, garlic powder, salt, pepper and barbecue sauce. Mix until well incorporated.
- Weigh out hamburger patties to 6 - 7 ounce each.
- Press together and flatten to about 3 1/2" in diameter or use a mold.
- The patties should be about 3/4" thick.
- Using a round wooden spoon handle (about 1/4" round), make a hole in the center of the hamburger pattie.
- In a frying pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Place 3 patties into the hot oil and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, the hole will begin to close.
- Turn patty over and continue to fry for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- The hole that was made in the pattie will fill in when the hamburger is cooked through properly.
- Check for doneness to make sure there is no pink showing.
- NOTE: If the burger mixture does not hold together when squeezed, add some milk and mix to blend.
- Serve in a nice large bun that is warmed and buttered with a spread of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a slice of sweet onion, a slice of a large tomato, and a leaf of lettuce. Enjoy !
