Beef on a bun, also known as a hamburger or burger, is a classic American sandwich that has been a staple menu item for decades. The simple combination of ground beef patties and soft buns allows for endless customization when it comes to toppings and condiments. But what are the best options for complementing the flavor of beef? Here are some of the most popular ingredients that pair well with beef patties on a bun.
Cheese
Adding cheese is one of the easiest ways to make a basic burger more interesting. The savory umami flavor of cheese complements the beef beautifully. Popular cheese choices for burgers include:
- Cheddar – A classic option, yellow cheddar adds a bold, slightly sharp flavor.
- American – Melty and mild, American cheese is a traditional burger choice.
- Swiss – With its distinctive holes and nutty taste, Swiss cheese is a great option.
- Blue cheese – For a kick of tangy, pungent flavor try crumbling blue cheese on top.
- Pepper jack – Spicy pepper jack amps up the heat.
The possibilities are endless when selecting cheese for your burger. Stick with classics like cheddar and American or branch out to bolder cheeses like gorgonzola or feta. Melting the cheese on the hot beef patty releases even more flavor.
Lettuce
Crisp, cool lettuce adds texture and moisture to balance the richness of beef. Common lettuce options for burgers include:
- Iceberg – The crunchy, mild flavor of iceberg lettuce works well.
- Romaine – Slightly bitter romaine leaves add flavor.
- Butter lettuce – Sweet, delicate butter lettuce is a good choice.
- Mesclun mix – A spring mix adds variety.
- Arugula – Pepper arugula gives a tangy kick.
Mix and match different lettuces or stick with a classic like iceberg. Just be sure slices are not too thick or they can make the burger tricky to eat.
Tomatoes
Fresh tomato slices are a burger staple thanks to their juicy texture and acidic bite. The moisture and flavor of tomatoes contrast nicely with the richness of beef. Beefsteak, Roma, and cherry tomatoes all work well. For extra flavor, try pan-roasting or grilling the tomato slices before adding to your burger.
Onions
Onions are a versatile burger topping that adds crunch and lots of flavor. Options include:
- Raw sliced onion – Thin slices of white, red or yellow onions give a sharp crunch.
- Caramelized onions – Cooked slowly until sweet and tender, caramelized onions add richness.
- Sauteed mushrooms – Earthy cooked mushrooms enhance the beefy flavor.
Onions accentuate the savory qualities of beef in your burger and add great texture.
Condiments
Condiments offer many ways to add moisture and flavor to burgers. Popular options include:
- Ketchup – The classic burger condiment, tangy ketchup complements the patty.
- Mustard – Yellow mustard, Dijon, honey mustard, the choices are endless.
- Mayo – Creamy mayo makes a burger extra moist and rich.
- BBQ sauce – Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is always a good option.
- Relish – Tart pickle relish perks up a burger.
- Sriracha – For heat seekers, a Sriracha-mayo mix kicks things up.
Pile on your favorite condiments or offer a condiment bar for customization. Just don’t overdo it or you risk hiding the beef flavor.
Buns and Bread
The base of your burger plays a key role in both structural integrity and flavor. Buns and bread choices include:
- Sesame seed buns – The classic, these have great texture and taste.
- Brioche buns – Fluffy, slightly sweet brioche makes burgers extra decadent.
- Pretzel buns – Salty, chewy pretzel buns are always a fun twist.
- Potato rolls – Soft potato rolls work nicely and hold up well.
- English muffins – For a lower-carb option, use whole grain English muffins as mini burger bases.
The bun should balance the heartiness of the beef patty. Steer clear of buns that are too big or dense and overwhelm the flavor of the meat.
Extras
In addition to classic toppings, don’t be afraid to add unique ingredients to make your burger creations stand out from the crowd. Ideas include:
- Avocado – Slices of creamy, buttery avocado.
- Bacon – Crispy cooked bacon takes a burger up a notch.
- Fried egg – A runny fried egg makes a fabulously messy burger.
- Pineapple – Grilled pineapple rings lend a touch of sweetness.
- Jalapenos – Spice-lovers will enjoy the kick of fresh jalapenos.
Let your imagination run wild with unexpected add-ons like kimchi, fried okra, coleslaw or chimichurri sauce. Just remember to keep the beef as the star of the show by not overloading your burger with too many competing flavors.
Regional American Burger Styles
While beef on a bun may seem straightforward, regional food cultures across the United States have developed distinct burger preparation styles over the years.
West Coast Burgers
West coast burger joints are known for:
- Fresh, seasonal ingredients – Locally-sourced produce like avocados, arugula and tomatoes
- Creative toppings – Unique additions like pineapple, fried eggs and kimchi
- Health-conscious options – Veggie burgers, turkey burgers and gluten-free buns
- Large patties – Thick, juicy patties are typical, often weighing 1/2 pound or more
Midwestern Burgers
Midwestern diners favor:
- Traditional toppings – Cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle are standard
- Unpretentious vibe – Greasy spoon charm rather than trendy atmosphere
- Thin patties – Patties are typically thin and cooked until well-done and crispy edged
- Fries included – Burgers often come with a side of fries automatically
East Coast Burgers
East coast burger shops tend to feature:
- Pub-style models – Served at bars and pubs in cities
- High-quality beef – Dry-aged beef or custom blends
- Brioche buns – Fluffy, tender brioche instead of plain sesame seed buns
- Upscale ambiance – A trendier, sleeker dining setting
Southern Burgers
Southern-style burgers include:
- Intense flavor – Seasoned patties, tangy sauces, spicy toppings
- Fried onions – A pile of crispy fried onions
- Pimento cheese – Creamy pimento cheese spread is a regional specialty
- Biscuit buns – Savory biscuits sometimes stand in for buns
So while the core burger may look the same across America, small tweaks in ingredients and style make eating your way through different burger renditions a delicious journey.
International Burger Inspiration
Looking beyond the U.S., cuisines around the world also offer creative recipes for burgers with globally-inspired flavors.
| Country | Burger Style |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Topped with guacamole, spicy salsa and queso fresco |
| Greece | Layers of creamy tzatziki sauce, feta cheese and spinach |
| Japan | Glazed with sweet soy sauce and layered with fried eggs and rice |
| India | Spiced with curry and stuffed with mint chutney |
| Jamaica | Jerk-seasoned patties with mango salsa |
| Korea | With kimchi and a spicy gochujang mayo |
Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from global flavors to give your beef on a bun an exciting twist.
Vegetarian and Vegan Beef Substitutes
For vegetarians and vegans, there are many tasty options for recreating the burger experience minus the beef.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Meaty portobello mushroom caps can stand in for patties. Grill them up just like beef and top with your favorite cheese, veggies and condiments.
Black Bean Burgers
Savory black bean veggie patties have a satisfying texture similar to beef. Try recipes with fun add-ins like corn, peppers and Mexican spices.
Beet Burgers
Shredded beets mimicking the blood-red color of beef make visually stunning veggie burgers with an earthy, sweet flavor.
Quinoa Burgers
Burgers made from quinoa, nuts and seeds offer a protein punch along with plenty of nutrients.
Impossible or Beyond Burgers
These realistic fake meat patties are designed to taste remarkably like real beef with a similar protein content.
Making Your Own Beef Patties
While pre-made burger patties are convenient, it’s easy and rewarding to handcraft your own at home. This allows you to control the flavor and fat ratio to your liking. Here are some tips:
- Use freshly ground chuck or sirloin for the best texture and juiciness.
- Handle the meat gently and avoid over-mixing to keep patties tender.
- For even cooking, form patties to the same thickness, 4-6 ounces each.
- Use your thumb to make an indent in the middle of each raw patty to prevent bulging as the burgers cook.
- Refrigerate patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
- Brush raw patties lightly with oil so they don’t stick on the grill.
Customizing your personal blend of meats and spices results in exceptionally delicious homemade beef patties.
Cooking Methods for Beef Burgers
How you cook your burger patties makes a big difference in terms of flavor and texture.
Grilling
Grilling over an open flame is the classic cooking method for patties. The high heat of the grill sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Add some smoky charcoal flavor by using a charcoal grill.
Pan-Frying
Frying burger patties in a skillet on the stovetop mimics grilling and gives great results indoors. Use a heavy pan and don’t crowd the patties.
Broiling
For fast cooking without turning on the grill, broil patties in the oven. Place them on a broiler pan under the heating element for quick browning.
Smash Burgers
This diner-style technique involves smashing thin patties hard as they fry in a skillet. The crisp, crunchy edges contrast the juicy centers.
Steamed Burgers
A regional specialty in central Connecticut, steamed burgers are cooked in a steam cabinet or covered skillet with simmering water. This yields incredibly moist and tender results.
Safety Tips for Raw Beef Patties
Since burgers contain raw beef, proper handling, cooking and storage are key to avoiding foodborne illness. Safety tips include:
- Always wash hands and cooking tools after contact with raw meat.
- Don’t reuse any platters or utensils that touched raw patties without washing first.
- Cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any bacteria.
- Refrigerate patties as soon as possible after purchasing or making.
- Don’t thaw frozen patties at room temperature – thaw overnight in the fridge instead.
- Discard any leftovers that sat out for over 2 hours.
Following basic food safety rules keeps your homemade or restaurant beef burgers safe and healthy to enjoy.
Conclusion
Beef patties served up on buns allow for endless creativity when constructing the perfect burger. Mix and match cheeses, veggies, sauces and other additions to complement the beefy star of the show. Regional styles in the U.S. and global flavor inspirations prove just how versatile this sandwich truly is. With the right toppings and side elements in harmony with the patty, beef on a bun makes for a deeply satisfying, crave-worthy meal.