Tired of Eating Burgers the Same Way? Here Are 9 Tips From Home Cooks To Spruce 'Em Up

AI-generated image for how to make homemade burgers better with these tips and recipe ideas from Redditors

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AI-generated image for how to make homemade burgers better with these tips and recipe ideas from Redditors
Cheapism / DALL-E 3

Burger 2.0

Burgers are a good ol' American classic. They're cherished by many families for their convenience and affordability — cementing their status as the go-to meal for both quick dinners and weekend cookouts. After all, nothing quite hits like a fat, juicy burger topped to the brim with all the fixings. As one Redditor writes, "My family loves burgers and I usually make a big batch every couple weeks. It's one of the few things my teenager will eat as leftovers, which is great because I rely a lot on meal prepping." 


But when you're eating the same thing all the time, it can quickly get old — even when it comes to burgers. "I'm so sick of eating burgers on a bun," writes the user, "I hate eating the same thing over and over." 


If you're in a similar predicament, fret not. Here are 9 easy and creative tips from home cooks to help you elevate and bring your burgers to new heights so you'll never get tired of them again. 

salisbury steak detail
lbarn/istockphoto

1. A Salisbury Burger? Count Us In!

This Redditor's hack of serving "hamburger steak with a portioned serving of gravy, on a bed of rice or mashed potatoes," has got us drooling. To make it more substantial and nutritious, consider adding a serving of veggies on the side, the user writes. "So long as everything's portioned appropriately and you have a vegetable or two alongside, it's a very filling and delicious meal." 


So basically, this is an easier version of a Salisbury steak, and we are here for it. 

Homemade Hawaiian Loco Moco
bhofack2/istockphoto

2. Find Inspiration in Hawaiian Flavors

One Redditor points out that adding a fried egg on hamburger meat results in a similar breakfast dish that is commonly enjoyed in Hawaii. The dish, known as "Loco Moco," calls for white rice topped with a seasoned hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. Another user suggests adding "scrambled eggs and vegetables" to the chopped burger to create a "hamburger egg foo young," of sorts. Delicious! 

Japanese style hamburg steak lunch
fannrei/istockphoto

3. Go the Japanese Route

Listen, Japanese flavors are simply superior. Don't ask me why, but from sushi to ramen, there's a reason why everyone loves Japanese food. According to this Redditor, another way to spruce up hamburger meat is by making "Hambagu," also known as a Japanese hamburger steak. This popular dish features a seasoned ground meat patty, typically a mix of beef and pork, topped with a rich demi-glaze sauce. 


Another Redditor suggests a sushi-inspired twist for a salmon burger by adding wasabi mayo, carrots, and cucumbers to create a fish burger with an Asian flair. 


Related: 31 Daring Burger Toppings for Your Next Cookout

German Pork Schnitzel with Hand Made Spaetzle
LauriPatterson/istockphoto

4. Rich and Filling German Flavors

For a German-inspired burger that is bursting with hearty flavors, one Redditor suggests incorporating, "German sausage burger (typically made using bratwurst) topped with sauerkraut, German mustard, red cabbage, beer cheese and serve on a kaiser bun." This recipe is so specific that it makes me think it must be a 10 outta 10. 


While you're at it, check out our roundup of the best German restaurants in the U.S. for whenever you're craving a rich and filling meal that pairs perfectly with a cold pint. 


Related: Forget Your Usual Burger. Here's Where To Find the Best Fast-Food Smash Burgers Around


a barbecue with pieces of meat on fire with smoke
Jonathan A Stanley/istockphoto

5.Brazilian-Inspired Burger

For a zesty and flavorful burger that is reminiscent of a good BBQ, one user suggests combining a beef burger topped with batata palha (fried shoestring potato chips; you can get them on Amazon for less than $5, requeijao (a type of Brazilian cream cheese that is "way better" according to the user), a fried egg and Brazilian-styled vinaigrette. Oh boy, I will be trying this immediately! 


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Late night comfort food is delicious.
Motionshooter/istockphoto
The Copycat
LauriPatterson/istockphoto

7. Canadian, Eh?

Another Redditor suggests combining burger meat with "peameal bacon, melted cheese curd, Canadian cheddar, ketchup, fried egg & a dash of maple syrup," for a loaded breakfast sandwich that will remind you of the rich and comforting flavors of Canadian cuisine. Pair this baby with a side of poutine (deep fried fries french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in a rich, brown gravy) and you are all the way winning. 


Related: Pretty Tasty, Eh? Beloved Canadian Foods Every American Should Try

Hong Kong fried noodles with vegetable and black soy sauce, served in plastic plate with blurred background of iced coffee in a glass
Napapat Kunnatham-eak/istockphoto

8. Make Zha Jiang Mian

This traditional Chinese dish is bursting with flavor and calls for, you guessed it, ground beef as the main ingredient, one user points out. To make it at home, start by cooking your preferred noodles, usually thick wheat noodles, until al dente. For the sauce, stir-fry ground beef (or pork) until browned, then add some finely chopped vegetables like carrots or cucumber. 


The key ingredient to making the best zha jiang mian is the fermented soybean paste, which is added to the meat and vegetables along with a splash of water to create a thick, flavorful sauce.

Veggie burger
Eva-Katalin/istockphoto

9. Substitute With Sweet Potato or Veggie Buns

A quick and easy way to elevate your usual burger is by swapping the bun with a homemade version, one user notes. "Buy the biggest, most girthy sweet potato you can find, cut into round slices (several of which will hopefully be about the same size as a hamburger patty) and bake at 400 [degrees] for 20 minutes. You can also do this with bell peppers, but I find the sweet potato version to be more satisfying." Zero notes. 


Related: 30 Celebrity Chefs' Favorite Burger Recipes