It’s a real steal, too.
Summer is meant for grilling, and grilling is meant for summer. And some of the best cookouts are impromptu ones, tacked on after pool days, during lazy afternoons with neighbors, or at a beach rental with family.
In the spirit of keeping summer as relaxed as possible, we suggest keeping your freezer stocked with burger patties. The convenience can’t be beat, and no one can resist a charred burger right off the grill, especially if it’s topped with melted cheese. Plus, you can spend more time enjoying your guests and less time on food prep.
There are several options for frozen burger patties, including name-brand, store-brand, and big-box offerings. Luckily, Redditors have strong opinions on the best frozen burger patties, and we happen to agree with their top choice.
Where You Can Find the Best Frozen Burger Patty
There’s a wealth of insider tips that can be found on Reddit, and the grocery category is no exception—especially when it comes to fan-favorite supermarkets like Costco.
Walk into the freezer section of your local Costco, and you’re likely to see frozen burger patties with blue, red, green, and black labels. Fans often refer to them by their label color, but the colors do mean something. Blue is 75 percent lean and 25 percent fat ground beef, red is ground sirloin, green is grass-fed, and black is Angus beef. And, while plenty of fans like one or more of these offerings, there is one clear favorite.
For the best burgers with zero prep, fans say you should reach for the Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties with the blue label. According to Redditor crucial_velocity, “Having tried a few of them, I like the blue ones the best. I find that they taste great and they cook really well because they are a slightly thinner patty.” This is likely due to the high fat content, which keeps the patty moist and flavorful.
Another big plus? They’re the least expensive option of all the frozen burger patties at Costco. The top upvoted post on the Reddit thread was from Fair_Half7672, who raved, “We like the blue the best and not because they’re the cheapest.” For context, each package contains 18 1/3-pound patties at about $5 per pound, though prices vary by location. Check your local store for the most up-to-date price.
How To Cook Frozen Burger Patties
Frozen burger patties are generally more budget-friendly, but they also offer another convenience: You don’t need to thaw them before grilling. Simply heat the grill to high, clean the grates, and add the burgers. Cook until the underside has grill marks, which can take anywhere between two and four minutes, then flip and cook until you reach your desired doneness.
Starting with a frozen patty often means the burger won’t overcook as easily and will stay tender and juicy. To add more irresistible savory notes, follow the lead of one Redditor who swears by a specific seasoning blend. “I’m all about Lawry’s [Seasoned Salt],” they shared. “Everyone asks me what I do to the meat. And I mean, everyone! It’s fantastic!”
So, if you’re looking for a quick, convenient, and delicious shortcut for better burgers this summer, you might want to swing by your nearest Costco.
Read the original article on Allrecipes