One of my favorite things to cook for my hubby is a giant batch of mini hamburgers. I usually use rolls from the day-old bread rack at the grocery store. These I got in 2 packages of 15 for $1.50 (so 10-cents a roll). Then I get lean hamburger in a 3lb package (about $5), and make about 30 mini burgers (total cost = 27-cents per burger!!)
To make them, you start with 1 lb of hamburger meat and you squish it into a baking pan. The best way to do this is to use a small, flat-sided glass (or mini rolling pin) and roll it out in the pan so that its flat, and solidly one piece. You don't want it more than 1/2" thick. Thinner is okay as it will shrink and get thicker. Sprinkle with onion powder and a little bit of pepper (this is a VERY important step!)
Bake them in a preheated 350* oven for about 15-minutes or until the meat is cooked through. When you take it out, it may have separated some, but that's okay - you can work around it.
Chop the burger into squares that will fit on your rolls (should get about 10). Cut your rolls in half and place burger on roll. Stick in a baggie (or wrap in foil) and freeze individually.
Repeat this process 3x and you have a hamburger for every day of the month. Perfect, cheap, lunch.
For sack lunches, snag one and you have a DELICIOUS main course that will thaw and be ready for microwaving/eating by lunch time! (Hubby just sticks his in the dash to cook in the sun, but I do not know the food safety of this, so I would recommend reheating a more traditional way, lol. Also be sure to pack with an ice pack.) You can of course add toppings like you would on any hamburger. My favorite is lettuce, a bit of onion, a slice of fresh tomato, some mozarella (melted on the hot patty), and crisp pickles. YUM!
My kids love them too!
Sounds yummy and easy-I'll look forward to trying it!
Posted by: Jen | November 11, 2008 at 02:12 AM
Burgers are the only meat my kids will eat...this sounds like a great idea. I always see those dollar rolls (I think that's what they're called) at the store. Like mini burger rolls. I'm giving it a try.....thanks for the idea!
Posted by: Shannon O. | November 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Kristen, whatta great idea!! thanks. When you say baking pan- do you mean a 9x13 cake pan? or a cookie sheet with a lip around the edge?
thanks!
Posted by: debra | November 11, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Debra - I'd use a 9x13 baking pan just so the fat/juices don't spill out when removing from the oven! :)
Posted by: kristin | November 11, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Looks yummy!!! Hope all is going well for you and you are not freaking about the holidays. I know I am, I get all set to be organized this year then move. Ha, so typical me.
Posted by: hunnybunny | November 11, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Awesome! I am going to try this with ground turkey. jeff would love it. and he wouldn't need to come home for lunch. :-) Thanks.
Posted by: debra | November 11, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Kristen, I made these last night. 1 lb made 8 minis. I mixed in hot pepper flakes, some of that w sauce that no one can pronounce or spell :-) and salt/pepper. I sauted some chopped onions until just soft and topped the burger with it (before I cooked the burger) then I baked it like you said. It didn't break up for me- but I let them cool completely before cutting. I figure it was .24 a burger. I bought a small bottle of ketchup and mustard for jeff to keep at work.
I plan to make more today and get them in the freezer. thanks for the great recipe! hugs,debra
Posted by: debra | November 14, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Those are great! Who doesn't love a cute little burger? The calories don't even count when they're that little!
Posted by: Amanda@imperfectlybeautiful | November 14, 2008 at 11:48 PM
I have over 100 in the freezer now! It was a long day! but jeff can eat 4 in one sitting and the kiddos wanted some too. Now he is set for 1 month. thanks again!
Posted by: debra | November 16, 2008 at 03:23 PM