Quick Answer
The main differences between ground beef hamburger and beef patties are:
- Shape – Ground beef hamburger is loose while beef patties are formed into a patty shape
- Preparation – Hamburger must be shaped into patties before cooking while beef patties come pre-formed
- Fat content – Hamburger can have variable fat contents while beef patties usually have a fixed fat percentage
- Seasoning – Hamburger is usually not pre-seasoned while beef patties may contain seasonings
- Uses – Hamburger is more versatile while beef patties are mainly used for burgers or sandwiches
Overall, hamburger refers to raw bulk ground beef while beef patties are ground beef that has been portioned into patty form, usually with added fat and seasoning. Hamburger offers more flexibility while beef patties provide convenience.
What is Ground Beef Hamburger?
Ground beef hamburger refers to raw bulk ground beef. It consists of beef trimmings from various cuts that have been ground or minced into a loose, unformed meat.
Hamburger can come in a few different fat percentages:
- Lean – 90% lean, 10% fat
- Extra lean – 95% lean, 5% fat
- Regular – 80% lean, 20% fat
The leaner the hamburger, the lower the fat and calorie content. Regular 80/20 ground beef hamburger has the most fat and flavor, while extra lean 95/5 is the healthiest option.
Hamburger has a loose, mushy texture since it is unsorted, ground beef. It must be formed into patties before it can be cooked and eaten. Hamburger is versatile since it can be shaped into patties, meatballs, meatloaf, and many other dishes. It also lets you control the sizing and thickness of your patties.
Benefits of Hamburger
Some benefits of using raw ground beef hamburger include:
- Versatility – can be used in many types of dishes
- Customization – you can control patty size and thickness
- Better for recipes – works well for meatballs, meatloaf, casseroles
- Raw flavor – not pre-seasoned or cooked
- Usually more affordable than beef patties
Overall, hamburger provides flexibility in cooking and a simple beefy flavor that makes it a kitchen staple.
What are Beef Patties?
Beef patties, also called hamburger patties, are ground beef that has been formed into the shape of a patty and pre-cooked. Beef patties can be purchased ready-to-cook in the freezer or meat section.
Unlike raw hamburger, beef patties hold their patty shape since they have been pre-formed. They come in convenient portions for sandwiches and burgers, so no shaping is required.
Here are some common types of pre-made beef patties:
- Frozen beef patties – sold frozen in packs
- Fresh store-formed patties – found in the meat department
- Restaurant-style patties – thicker with crispy edges
- Angus or premium patties – made from higher quality beef
Beef patties usually contain a fixed fat percentage, around 80/20 or 75/25 blend. They may also include seasonings, herbs, and salt mixed into the ground beef. Beef patties made for restaurants often have a higher fat ratio for more flavor and juiciness.
Benefits of Beef Patties
Some benefits of pre-made beef patties include:
- Convenience – no shaping required
- Uniformity – consistent sizing and shape
- Pre-seasoned – flavor mixed throughout patty
- Faster cooking – pre-formed for grill or pan
- Portion control – single serving size patties
Overall, beef patties provide a convenient option for quick cooking and uniform burgers or sandwiches.
Differences Between Hamburger and Beef Patties
Shape and Preparation
The main difference between hamburger and beef patties is the shape and preparation.
Hamburger is loose, raw ground beef that must be shaped into patties before cooking. Beef patties are already pre-formed into patty shapes and simply need to be cooked.
| Hamburger | Beef Patties |
|---|---|
| Raw, loose ground beef | Pre-formed into patty shape |
| Must be shaped and portioned before cooking | Ready to cook as is |
So hamburger requires more preparation, but provides control over patty size and thickness. Beef patties offer convenience since they are ready to slap on the grill immediately.
Fat Content
Hamburger can come in different fat percentages – usually 90/10, 95/5, or 80/20 blends. This lets you choose leaner or fattier hamburger for different recipes and dietary needs.
Beef patties most often contain around 80% lean meat and 20% fat. Some premium patties may use 75/25 or 85/15 blends too. The fat content is fixed based on the manufacturer.
| Hamburger | Beef Patties |
|---|---|
| Variable fat % – 90/10, 95/5, 80/20 | Usually 80/20 or 75/25 fat ratio |
| Lets you choose lean or fatty beef | Fixed fat percentage |
So hamburger provides more control over fat content, which affects nutrition and flavor. Beef patties offer a pre-determined, convenient fat ratio instead.
Seasoning and Flavors
Hamburger is usually not pre-seasoned, offering a simple beef flavor. You can add your own spices, herbs, sauces, etc.
Many beef patties contain added seasoning, spices, onions, or other flavorings mixed right into the raw meat. This gives them built-in flavor, but also makes them more processed.
Some people prefer the convenience of beef patties with seasoning, while others like the pure beef taste of plain hamburger.
| Hamburger | Beef Patties |
|---|---|
| Typically no seasoning added | Often contain seasoning, herbs, salt |
| Pure beef flavor | Extra flavors built-in |
So hamburger gives you more control over flavors, while beef patties offer convenience seasoning.
Uses
Since hamburger is a loose ground meat, it can be used in a wide variety of dishes like:
- Burger patties
- Meatballs
- Meatloaf
- Casseroles
- Tacos
- Chili
- Lasagna
- Bolognese sauce
Beef patties are pre-formed into patties so they are best suited for:
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Subs
- Sliders
While you can crumble beef patties for some recipes, hamburger tends to work better for mixed dishes.
| Hamburger | Beef Patties |
|---|---|
| Versatile for many dishes | Best for burgers, sandwiches |
| Good for meatloaf, casseroles | Less commonly used in mixed dishes |
So hamburger has an advantage in versatility and adaptability to more recipes.
Cost Differences
Hamburger is usually more affordable than packaged beef patties. Raw hamburger can cost $3-4 per pound on average, depending on the fat ratio. Beef patties can run $6-8+ per pound since you are paying for the convenience.
However, beef patties may be worth it for the time saved shaping patties yourself. And pre-made patties let you divide meat into individual portions more efficiently. Home chefs can also buy hamburger in bulk for greater cost savings.
So hamburger offers more bang for your buck. But pre-formed beef patties provide convenience that may justify the higher price.
Nutrition
The nutrition of hamburger versus beef patties can vary based on:
- Fat content – fattier blends have more calories and saturated fat
- Added seasonings – some patties contain onion, garlic, salt, etc.
- Cooking method – grilling, pan-frying, or broiling affect fat calories
- Portion or patty size
However, in general:
| Hamburger | Beef Patties |
|---|---|
| 200-300 calories per 100g | 180-250 calories per patty |
| 5-18g fat per 100g | 9-16g fat per patty |
| Higher protein % | Higher fat & sodium % |
Both can provide quality protein, iron, B vitamins, zinc, and other nutrients. Go with 95-96% lean hamburger or lower fat beef patties if watching calories or fat intake.
Taste Comparison
In terms of taste, hamburger offers a milder, purer beef flavor since it contains just beef and no seasoning. The flavor profile depends on the fat ratio – higher fat hamburger has a richer, juicier taste.
Since beef patties contain extra fat and seasoning, they tend to have a bolder beef taste. Onion, garlic, smoke flavors, and spices also come through depending on the variety of patty.
So it comes down to a preference between a plain beefy taste (hamburger) or a punch of built-in seasoning (beef patties).
Cooking Differences
Cooking low-fat hamburger and lean beef patties requires some care to prevent dryness:
- Use moderate heat and avoid overcooking
- Flip patties frequently
- Add juices, sauces, or condiments
- Don’t press patties during cooking
Fattier hamburger can tolerate higher heat and longer cooking times without drying out.
Pre-made patties hold together well on the grill or pan, while hamburger patties are more prone to cracking or crumbling if the fat ratio is too low.
Hamburger patties tend to shrink more during cooking due to rendering fat. Beef patties maintain their shape and size since they are pre-formed.
So beef patties require less effort to get a consistent, uniform shape. But hamburger allows you to control patty thickness and customize cooking to your preference.
Conclusion
While hamburger and beef patties are both made from ground beef, they have some notable differences:
- Hamburger offers flexibility in fat content, seasoning, and portioning. It works well for various recipes.
- Beef patties provide convenience, uniformity, and built-in flavor. They excel as quick cooking burgers and sandwiches.
Hamburger is better for the budget home cook who doesn’t mind shaping their own patties. Pre-formed beef patties are ideal for convenience and portion control.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your cooking style, recipe needs, and preferences in taste, texture, and fat content. Both hamburger meat and conveniently shaped patties have their place in home kitchens.