The Steak-Style Addition That Instantly Elevates Frozen Burgers

At best, frozen burgers are a shortcut to last-minute cravings and occasionally, an impromptu backyard grill. From the freezer onto the frying pan they go, and then finally landing between two bread buns and a few slices of veggies — that's usually all there is. It's not often we consider the many ways to take frozen burgers from good to great, unknowingly missing out all along. Ordinary as they may be on typical burgers, the frozen patties are sure to impress as the centerpiece of a Salisbury steak. That's just what happens when you smother them in rich, well-simmered flavors.

Don't let the word "steak" fool you. A Salisbury steak recipe doesn't feature any actual steak cut, but rather beef patties, briefly browned, before being left to cook even further in a gravy-like sauce. This is where those frozen burgers come in handy. Rather than spending a good chunk of time seasoning and shaping the ground beef into individual patties, they're ready to hit the pan from the beginning.

Brought back to life from that quick pan-sear, the frozen burgers only get better once they're gently simmered in the mushroom-onion sauce. That savory, slightly umami depth seeps into every tiny morsel, while the sauce's luscious texture just tenderizes the meat even further. The burgers will offer juicy, flavor-melting bites that feel almost unbelievable for something that has just come out of your freezer.

While it's always good to have all the essential ingredients for the best Salisbury steak, opting for shortcuts sure helps when you need to speed up the process. With the frozen burgers already cooking in the pan, see if you've also got a suitable canned soup somewhere in the pantry. A cream of mushroom soup or French onion soup should work splendidly, or perhaps whip up a quick batch from a packet of onion soup mix. These ready-made ingredients will allow you to skip over all the tedious prep work and have dinner on the table in a flash.

Of course, just because this is a quick dish doesn't mean you can't upgrade it further. If necessary, you can also make little adjustments to the frozen patties themselves. Once they have decently thawed, sprinkle your preferred seasonings or spice rub onto the surface to elevate the intensity. Chopped herbs can also add a more elegant flair, accompanied by fresh veggies and mushrooms that perfectly complement the sauce. That said, all those roasted veggies from last night's dinner are no less suitable, both for bulking up the dish and diversifying its taste profile. Homemade or store-bought, a side of mashed potatoes will complete this dish quite nicely, especially when you need a quick dinner that's still substantial and satisfying.