I always feel a little shameful when something I make derives most of its tastiness from ketchup, but, well, there you go. What's not to like? Sweet, tangy, tomatoey…
I am sure there is nothing particularly original about this, but I did make it up myself when I wanted to make hamburgers but didn't have any buns. My. Family. Loved. It.
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 6 Tbsp ketchup
- 2 Tbsp hot sauce (Frank's RedHot, to be specific)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup minced green bell pepper
- Fine fresh bread crumbs or similar
Mix beef, ketchup, hot sauce, egg, onion, and bell pepper in large mixing bowl. Add bread crumbs until, er, until the texture holds together "just right" — the amount depends on the kind of crumb, but about a half cup seems to do, maybe a bit more. Let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or so to firm up, then form into hamburger patties. Grill till done and a bit charred on the outside.
You could serve these on buns if you wanted to, but they are fine fork food too. They are a little softer and crumblier than a good solid burger; if I were going to put them on bread, I think open-faced on buttered toast would do very nicely.
I served them with fruit salad and steamed broccoli, with ketchup and mustard on the side.
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