This is the essence of the Range Burger, a recipe born from my desire to capture the boldness of the frontier in a dish that speaks to the soul of the home cook.
The Range Burger is not just a meal; it’s a narrative of flavors, each one telling a story of sprawling pastures and cozy evenings by the fire. The patty, a hearty blend of choice meats, is seasoned with the whispers of garlic and onions, evoking memories of rustic, outdoor feasts. Topped with a slice of smoky cheddar that melts into every crevice, and crowned with a tangle of caramelized onions, this burger is a testament to simplicity and depth.
In crafting this burger, I sought to create a sense of connection—to the land, to our roots, and to each other. It’s a dish best shared with loved ones, where each savory bite is an invitation to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re a connoisseur of classic American cuisine or simply someone who treasures the joy of a well-made burger, the Range Burger offers a comforting embrace, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest things hold the greatest pleasures.
So let’s don our aprons with a sense of anticipation and gather around the grill or stove, ready to infuse our kitchens with the spirit of the range. Together, we’ll explore the robust, honest flavors of the Range Burger—a celebration of tradition, simplicity, and the bonds that are forged over a lovingly prepared meal.
Range Burger Recipe
Range Burger
Equipment
- 1 grill
Ingredients
Apple Mix:
- Granny Smith Apple finely chopped (1/2 cup)
- Stalk of Celery finely sliced (1/3 cup)
- Onion finely sliced (1/3 cup)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
Burgers:
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tsp Jerk Seasoning
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Ground Black Pepper or Cayenne Pepper
- 11/2 lb. Uncooked Ground Bison or Lean Ground Beef
To Serve:
- 6 Man–sized Slices of Rustic Bread
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter
- Red–tipped Leaf Lettuce
Melon Relish:
- Orange–fleshed Melon: Flesh chopped (1 cup)
- Strawberries chopped (1 cup)
- Red Onion finely chopped (1/4 cup)
- Sweet Green Pepper finely chopped (1/4 cup)
- Cilantro 2 tbsp., freshly chopped
- Mint Leaves 1 tbsp., freshly snipped
- Lemon or Lime Zest 1 tsp.
- Lemon or Lime Juice 2 tbsp.
Instructions
- Fry apple, celery and onion in hot oil over med–heat until mixture is tender (6–8 min); then leave it to cool down to room temperature.
- Grab a large bowl and pop the apple mixture, ketchup, and all the seasoning. Add the meat (bison/beef) and mix well. Divide into six 3⁄4ʺ thick burger patties.
- Charcoal: Grill patties on a well–oiled rack of an open grill directly over med–hot coals until no longer pink; internal temp 160°F (16–18 min). Turning once, halfway.
- Gas grill: Preheat and drop the heat to med–hot. Grill as above.
- Just before removing the meat, toast the bread on both sides. Brush with melted butter when you’re done.
- Top the toast with lettuce, patties and melon relish.
- Combine the chopped melon, strawberries, onion, sweet pepper, cilantro, fresh mint, lemon/lime zest and juice. Toss lightly to coat everything in the juice.
- Leave it to sit at room temperature for half an hour or so, stirring now and then. This way the flavors will combine. Enjoy!
Video
How to cook Range Burger using oven
To cook a Range Burger in the oven, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a high temperature—around 400°F (200°C) works well to mimic the sear you’d get from a grill. Next, prepare your burger patties by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and perhaps a hint of garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor that evokes a sense of homely comfort.
As you gently place the burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, feel the anticipation of the savory, juicy meal that awaits. It’s a moment filled with promise. Bake the burgers for about 10 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. The sizzle as they cook, filling your kitchen with a rich, appetizing aroma, is truly delightful.
Once out of the oven, let them rest for a couple of minutes—like a brief pause in a conversation, allowing the juices to settle. Serve these hearty patties on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Each bite is satisfyingly tender and full of warmth, a testament to the simple joys of cooking at home. Enjoy the process and the result!
Tips for making about Range Burger
Cooking Tips
Cooking the perfect Range Burger is an art that combines technique with a touch of personal flair. The key to a succulent burger lies in the quality of the meat—choose fresh, high-quality ground beef for a rich and robust flavor. When shaping your patties, handle the meat gently; overworking it can lead to a dense texture, so treat it with care, as you would a delicate pastry dough.
Seasoning is your next step, and here, simplicity often reigns supreme. A generous pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper may be all you need to elevate the natural taste of the beef. If you’re feeling adventurous, a whisper of smoked paprika can add a subtle, smoky undertone that brings to mind the rustic outdoors.
As your burgers sizzle in the oven, take a moment to appreciate the transformation taking place—the raw, ruby-red meat slowly turning into a mouthwatering feast. It’s a small daily ritual that can bring immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Remember to toast your buns; it’s a simple act that adds a delightful crunch and warmth, cradling the juicy patty in a way that feels like a cozy embrace. Toppings are a personal choice, but consider textures and flavors that complement rather than overpower the star of the show—the burger itself.
Finally, when you sit down to enjoy your Range Burger, take a moment to savor not just the taste but the journey that brought it to your plate. From selecting ingredients to the joy of cooking, each step is a part of the story that makes every bite deeply gratifying.
Serving suggestions
Serving a Range Burger is an opportunity to create a memorable meal that delights the senses and brings people together. Imagine presenting the burger on a rustic wooden board, the golden-brown bun glistening slightly under your kitchen lights, evoking a sense of warmth and homeliness.
For a classic touch, pair the burger with a side of golden, crispy fries seasoned with a hint of sea salt and perhaps a sprinkle of rosemary for an aromatic twist. The contrast between the soft, juicy burger and the crunchy fries creates a harmonious balance that can make one feel content and taken care of.
Adding a fresh element elevates the experience; consider a side salad with vibrant greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. It’s like a refreshing breeze on a warm day, providing a crisp counterpoint to the richness of the burger.
If you’re serving guests, offer a variety of condiments—creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and a rich ketchup—allowing each person to tailor their burger to their liking. It’s a small gesture that acknowledges individual preferences, making the meal feel more personal and thoughtful.
For a heartier option, you might include some grilled vegetables or a savory coleslaw, adding layers of flavor and texture that make each bite interesting and satisfying. The act of sharing these dishes around the table can foster a sense of community and togetherness.
As you sit down to enjoy your Range Burger, take a moment to appreciate the colors and aromas on your plate. It’s not just about nourishment; it’s about creating an experience that feeds the soul as much as the body.
Top 5 FAQs about Range Burger
- How do you cook burgers on the range? To cook burgers on the stove, start by dividing and shaping the ground beef into patties. Warm the pan, toast the buns, then increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the burgers for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping once, until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- What is the most important thing in a burger? The meat is considered the most crucial element of a burger. A great burger features fresh, never frozen beef that’s hot, juicy, and well-seasoned with a unique blend of spices.
- How long does it take to cook a burger on a stove? Cooking times for burgers on a stove vary depending on the desired level of doneness: 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, 3-4 minutes for medium, 4-5 minutes for medium-well, and 5 minutes for well-done.
- What do people like on their burgers? A YouGov poll revealed that cheese is the most popular burger topping, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, and onions.
- What is the best temperature to grill burgers? The ideal temperature for grilling burgers is between 375°F to 400°F, which is typically medium-high heat on most gas grills. This range helps avoid overcooking or undercooking the burgers.