If you have been craving a juicy, flavorful burger but want to skip the grill and the mess, you are going to love this Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe. It combines the convenience of pressure cooking with the classic taste of a perfectly seasoned beef patty, resulting in a juicy, tender burger that’s ready faster than you think. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or an impromptu burger night with friends, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role to boost flavor, enhance juiciness, or keep the patties perfectly tender.
- Ground beef: Use 1 ½ pounds of high-quality ground beef for that rich, meaty base packed with natural flavor and fat.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon adds a subtle depth and savory umami punch that makes the patties irresistibly tasty.
- Garlic powder: A teaspoon is perfect for infusing a gentle garlicky aroma without overpowering the beef.
- Kosher salt: Half a teaspoon helps enhance all the flavors while tenderizing the meat slightly.
- Black pepper: Half a teaspoon delivers the right amount of mild heat to complement the other seasonings.
- Sliced cheese (optional): Add your favorite cheese for that melty, gooey finish that takes these burgers to another level.
- Hamburger buns: Choose four fresh buns to cradle the patties and toppings perfectly.
- Lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles: These classic toppings add crunch, freshness, and tang for a balanced burger experience.
How to Make Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe
Step 1: Season and Shape Your Patties
Start by combining the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly without compacting the meat too much. Then divide your mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a ½-inch thick patty. This thickness ensures each patty cooks through without drying out in the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Wrap the Patties in Foil
Next, wrap each of the patties tightly in a piece of aluminum foil. This step is crucial because it seals in all the juices during cooking, prevents the patties from falling apart, and makes clean-up a breeze. Make sure the foil is completely sealed around each patty before moving on.
Step 3: Prepare Your Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of your 6-quart Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside and carefully stack the foil-wrapped patties on top of it. The water creates the steam needed for pressure cooking while the trivet keeps the patties elevated above the water for even cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Patties
Close and lock the lid, setting the pressure valve to the sealing position. Cook the patties on Manual (High Pressure) for 12 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release to let out the steam. This method guarantees juicy, evenly cooked patties every single time.
Step 5: Remove and Unwrap
Use tongs to carefully take out the foil packs from the Instant Pot. Be mindful of the hot steam when opening each foil packet, then transfer the cooked patties immediately to the buns or a plate.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Add slices of your favorite cheese on top of the patties while they’re still warm so it melts beautifully. Then pile on fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles for that classic burger experience.
How to Serve Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of these Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe is how effortlessly you can customize your garnish. Crisp lettuce adds refreshing crunch, juicy tomato slices brighten the flavor, sweet or sharp onions add bite, and tangy pickles bring that satisfying zing. Don’t forget a smear of ketchup, mustard, or mayo if you like extra moisture and flavor!
Side Dishes
Because these patties are so perfectly juicy and savory, pair them with classic sides like crispy French fries, oven-roasted potatoes, or a fresh coleslaw. For a lighter option, a simple mixed green salad or steamed veggies complements the rich burger without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve the patties open-faced with a dollop of guacamole or melted cheese on top. Or create a burger bowl by layering patty chunks on a bed of greens, topped with your favorite burger toppings and a drizzle of dressing. The Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe is versatile enough to suit any style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture. This makes for quick lunches or snack options throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save patties for longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in foil and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat your Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe by microwaving covered with a damp paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes or warming gently in a skillet. This helps maintain the patties’ juiciness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that a higher fat content (around 15-20%) gives the patties more juiciness and flavor. If using lean beef, consider adding a little olive oil or a tablespoon of beef broth to keep them moist.
Do I have to use foil for each patty?
Yes, wrapping each patty in foil helps seal in moisture and flavor while cooking in the Instant Pot. It also prevents the patties from sticking to the trivet or each other, making cleanup much easier.
Can I add seasoning or spices to the patties?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your hamburger patties with your favorite spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Just mix them in with the other seasonings before shaping.
What if I don’t have a trivet for my Instant Pot?
If your Instant Pot didn’t come with a trivet, you can use a heatproof steam rack or improvise with an inverted metal colander or another rack that fits inside. The trivet is essential to keep the patties above the water for proper steaming.
Can I cook more than four patties at once?
You can, as long as they fit in a single layer stacked on the trivet without overlapping. Otherwise, cooking times may need adjustments, and the patties won’t cook as evenly. For larger batches, consider cooking in multiple rounds.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about a homemade burger that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and requires minimal cleanup. This Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe hits all those marks and then some. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how simple it is to enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers any day of the week without firing up the grill. Happy cooking!
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Instant Pot Hamburger Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Hamburgers recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers without the need for grilling or frying. Seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, these patties are pressure-cooked to perfection, making them tender and delicious. Perfect for those who want a fuss-free meal that pairs wonderfully with classic burger toppings and buns.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Serving
- Sliced cheese (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce (for serving)
- Tomato slices (for serving)
- Onion slices (for serving)
- Pickles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the meat.
- Form Patties: Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ½-inch thick patty, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Wrap Patties: Wrap each patty tightly in a piece of aluminum foil, sealing completely to retain juices and prevent water ingress during pressure cooking.
- Prepare Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of a 6-quart Instant Pot. Place the trivet into the pot to elevate the patties above the water level.
- Stack Patties: Arrange the foil-wrapped patties on top of the trivet inside the Instant Pot, stacking them neatly but not overcrowding.
- Pressure Cook: Close and securely lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Select Manual mode and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the pressure valve to venting, releasing the steam rapidly.
- Remove Patties: Open the lid carefully, and using tongs, remove the foil-wrapped patties from the pot. Let them rest for a minute.
- Assemble Burgers: Unwrap the patties from foil, place each on a hamburger bun, and top with sliced cheese if desired. Add lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, and pickles or other favorite toppings.
Notes
- Do not skip wrapping the patties in foil to keep them moist and prevent water from diluting the beef flavor.
- You can customize toppings based on preference, including adding sauces like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions or herbs directly into the beef mixture before forming patties.
- Make sure your Instant Pot is at least 6 quarts to accommodate the patties and water level safely.
