How to Stretch Hamburger Bread Crumbs With Oatmeal & Eggs
With the economy struggling and many out of a job, stretching a meal can really help ease the burden of food shopping. There are not many foods that can be reused or stretched out, but one that often stretches is hamburger meat. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hamburger meat (beef or turkey)
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Bread crumbs
- Bowls
- Grill or pan
Instructions
-
-
1
Buying ground beef or turkey in bulk is much less expensive than buying small packages of ground meat at the supermarket. Make sure to properly store and freeze any unused meat. Mixing oatmeal, bread crumbs and/or eggs in with the meat allows you to use less, and stretch the meat.
-
2
Place thawed meat into a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, crack two eggs per pound of meat and mix in with your hands. Next add a half or full cup of oatmeal to the meat and eggs, and again mix with your hands. If you chose to do so, add bread crumbs to the meat and mix. This should allow you serve more people while using less meat, thus saving money.
-
-
3
Form medium-sized balls of meat from the mixture and shape into a flattened patty shape. Some prefer to use a spoon to both scoop and shape the burger patties, but either technique works. Place meat on a hot grill or in a heated, greased pan. Make sure meat is properly cooked before consuming.
-
4
Keep in mind that each of these ingredients will have a unique effect on the meat. Bread crumbs will help bind the meat and add a smoky, toasty flavor. Eggs help keep the meat moist as it cooks and add a rich flavor. Oatmeal simply serves as filler and adds little flavor, but does change the consistency of the meat.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
There are many items you can add to a burger to change or increase the flavors like hot sauce, Dijon mustard, anchovies, capers, red wine, steak sauce, onion soup mix or mushrooms. None of these items are designed to stretch out the meat, but they can change the flavor.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of illness. Make sure to cook all properly.
