10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Hamburgers

Wondering what to do with leftover burgers? With a bit of creativity, those left over burgers can be transformed into dishes that are even better than a plain burger! From cozy casseroles to tempting tacos, learn the 10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Hamburgers.

Wondering what to do with leftover hamburger patties? As a chef that loves using kitchen gadgets, I like to have a good epic backyard barbecue, But sometimes I’m left with a stack of perfectly grilled hamburger patties.

This common issue happens all the time, especially in the summer months. Luckily, there’s no need for any of that delicious food to go to waste. These leftover burger recipes can serve as the foundation for many delicious meals!

Leftover burger patties are a golden opportunity to explore beyond the bun. Those leftover hamburger patties can be crumbled, sliced, diced, or enjoyed whole in a variety of dishes. Learn what to make with leftover burgers from comfort food like casseroles and shepherd’s pie to international cuisines like tacos and fried rice, hamburger patties can adapt and take on new flavors, providing you with an easy cooked protein for lots of meals.

📖How To Store Leftover Cooked Hamburgers

Making the best dishes using cooked hamburgers starts with proper storage. Use the instructions below to ensure your burgers are stored properly before using them.

1️⃣Cool Down: Let the cooked hamburgers cool down before storing them. Do not leave them out at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria can start to grow.

2️⃣Separate Patties: If you have multiple patties, separate them with a piece of wax or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

3️⃣Use Air-tight Containers: Place the cooled down patties in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry before putting the patties inside to prevent bacterial growth.

4️⃣Refrigerate or Freeze: Depending on when you plan to use the patties, you can either refrigerate or freeze them. If you plan to use them within 3-4 days, refrigeration is fine. If you want to store them for longer, the freezer is your best bet.

5️⃣Reheating: When you’re ready to use the patties, if they are frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the patties thoroughly before consuming, either by microwaving, baking, or frying. Always make sure the patties reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure they are safe to eat.

🍔How To Use Leftover Hamburgers

1. Leftover Hamburger Patties Casserole: Chop up the leftover hamburgers and layer them in a casserole dish with your choice of vegetables, cheese, and creamy sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown.
2. Shepherd’s Pie: Replace the traditional ground lamb or beef with chopped hamburgers in your next shepherd’s pie. Layer the cooked meat with peas, carrots, and onions, and top with mashed potatoes for a comfort food dish.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of chopped hamburger, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese, then bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melty.
4. Hamburger Pasta: Chop up your burgers and toss them with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and grated cheese for a quick and easy meal.
5. Hamburger Pizza: Use the leftover hamburgers as a topping for homemade pizza. Simply crumble the meat and scatter it over your pizza dough along with your favorite sauce and cheese.
6. Hamburger Soup: Create a hearty soup by simmering chunks of hamburger with vegetables, potatoes, and a rich beef or vegetable broth.
7. Hamburger Salad: Dice up a cooked burger and use it as a protein addition to a salad with homemade thousand island dressing. Or try it on a Caesar salad for a twist on the classic chicken Caesar.
8. Hamburger Tacos: Crumble the hamburgers and use them as a filling for tacos. Add in your usual taco fixings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream.
9. Hamburger Quesadillas: Similar to tacos, chop or crumble the hamburger and use it as the protein in a quesadilla. Add cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers, and serve with sour cream and salsa.
10. Hamburger Fried Rice: Fried rice is a flexible dish that can easily incorporate leftover burgers. Just chop up the meat and stir-fry it along with your choice of vegetables, cooked rice, and soy sauce.

❔FAQ

Can I use hamburger patties in a dish that typically calls for ground beef?

Yes, simply crumble or chop the cooked patties and use them as you would use what to make with ground beef.

Do I need to reheat the cooked patties when repurposing them for other dishes?

It’s generally a good idea to reheat the patties before incorporating them into other dishes, especially if they’ve been stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.

Will the flavor of the hamburger patties overpower other ingredients in the dish I’m making?

Cooked hamburger patties are quite versatile and tend to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish. However, if your patties were heavily seasoned, you may want to adjust the seasonings in your new dish to balance flavors.