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Grandma’s Polish Hamburgers

Grandma's Polish Hamburgers: Comforting Flavor in Every Bite

Grandma’s Polish Hamburgers capture the essence of traditional Polish cuisine with tender patties and creamy mushroom gravy, evoking warmth and nostalgia.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 10 patties
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Polish
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Patties
  • 1 pound Ground Pork Provides rich flavor and moisture for the patties.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Balances the richness of pork and adds depth.
  • 1 cup Saltine Crackers Acts as a binder for texture; use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Adds moisture to the meat mixture, making it tender.
  • 1 large Eggs Binds the ingredients together; swap for a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Brings sweetness and complexity when cooked.
  • 1 medium Green Pepper Adds freshness and crunch; omit for simplicity.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for enhancing overall flavor; adjust to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Dill Provides a distinct herbal note; fresh dill enhances the flavor further.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Deepens flavor; fresh garlic can be used instead.
For the Gravy
  • 8 ounces Sliced Mushrooms Key for delivering rich flavor and texture in the gravy.
  • 10.5 ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup Contributes creaminess; a homemade béchamel makes a fresher alternative.
  • 2 cups Beef Stock Enriches the gravy with deep flavors; vegetable stock works for a lighter version.
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and depth for both searing and gravy preparation.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic (Whole Cloves) Infuses flavor when searing patties; can be omitted if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Elevates the umami flavor of the gravy.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Brings creaminess and tang; can be excluded for a dairy-free recipe.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, crushed Saltine crackers, milk, whisked eggs, minced onion, and minced green pepper. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, dried dill, and garlic powder. Mix gently with your hands until combined but avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
  2. Divide the meat mixture into 10 equal portions and shape each into patties, approximately 2 inches thick and hand-sized. Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined tray, ensuring they do not touch. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up.
  3. Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and sizzling, drop in 2-3 cloves of whole garlic for flavor infusion. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust on one side, then flip and repeat on the other side.
  4. Once all patties are seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter along with the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet for added depth.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and pour in the beef stock and cream of mushroom soup, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Allow the gravy to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed, to enhance the savory flavor of the gravy.
  6. Once the gravy reaches the desired consistency, carefully reintroduce the browned patties into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
  7. Before serving, remove the skillet from heat and stir in sour cream, whisking until well combined. Serve the flavorful Grandma's Polish Hamburgers over creamy mashed potatoes or warm bread dumplings, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pattyCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 22gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

These hamburgers freeze wonderfully! Prepare a double batch and store extras for quick and comforting meals on busy nights.

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