Welcome to a delightful culinary experience that combines the classic flavors of a juicy burger with the crispy, comforting texture of hush puppies! This easy and delicious hamburger hush recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that brings the best of Southern comfort food right to your table. The addition of ground beef in each hush puppy creates a savory bite that is both filling and satisfying, making it a unique twist on traditional hush puppies.

Ingredients

• For the Hamburger Hush:
  • 1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20 for the right balance of flavor and moisture
  • 1 cup cornmeal, use yellow cornmeal for a slight sweetness
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder, to give the hush puppies a nice rise
  • 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance overall flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for better flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, to add depth of flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, for a slight sweetness and aroma
  • 1 cup buttermilk, ensures a moist and tender texture
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature for easier mixing
  • 1 tablespoon garlic and herb seasoning (optional), to elevate the flavor profile
• For Cooking:
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a deep skillet about 2 inches); canola oil works as a great alternative
• Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack), adds an extra layer of flavor
  • Chopped green onions, for a fresh crunch and color
  • Sour cream or ranch dressing, to balance the richness of the dish
  • Your favorite flavorful burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc.), to make it feel even more like a burger experience

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Oil: In a deep skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to fill about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately, indicating that the oil is hot enough for frying.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic and herb seasoning (if using). Whisk until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial as it allows for an even distribution of flavors throughout the hush puppies.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until smooth. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated into the mixture, as this will help bind the ingredients together. Using room temperature ingredients can help create a smoother batter.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine, as they will cook out during frying. Overmixing can lead to dense hush puppies.
5. Add Ground Beef: Gently fold in the ground beef until evenly distributed in the batter. You want the beef to be well incorporated without overworking the mixture. This ensures that every bite of the hamburger hush is filled with delicious beef flavor.
6. Fry the Hush Puppies: Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside. Flip them halfway through for even cooking, ensuring a consistent texture.
7. Drain the Hush Puppies: Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step helps keep the hush puppies crispy and reduces greasiness.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve your hamburger hush warm with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and your favorite burger toppings. Enjoy your scrumptious creation right away to fully appreciate the crispy texture and savory flavors!

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the hush puppies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can lead to a soggy texture.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just stir well before frying to ensure even consistency. This is a great option for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the hush puppies may absorb too much oil and become greasy. Check the temperature with a thermometer or use the drop test mentioned earlier, allowing for perfect frying results.
• Frying Techniques: For best results, maintain the oil temperature throughout the frying process. If the temperature drops too low, the hush puppies will take longer to cook and may turn out soggy. Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature closely will help achieve that perfect golden brown exterior.

Variations

To customize your hamburger hush, consider these creative substitutions:

• Vegan Option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or a meat alternative. Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the egg for binding. This allows for a plant-based option that still delivers on flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a different texture that caters to gluten-sensitive individuals. Ensure that your cornmeal is also gluten-free.
• Flavor Variations: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or incorporate shredded cheese into the batter for added creaminess and flavor depth. Experimenting with spices such as cayenne or smoked paprika can also enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your hamburger hush with classic burger sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Consider serving with a cold beverage, such as iced tea or a refreshing lemonade, to complement the savory flavors of the dish. For a gourmet twist, top your hush puppies with a drizzle of spicy sriracha sauce or a dollop of creamy avocado sauce. Check out our related guide for more tips.

Now that you have this easy and delicious hamburger hush recipe, you can explore more ground beef recipes and variations such as Quick & Creamy 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff Delight or Savory Slow Cooker Korean Ground Beef Tacos You’ll Crave. Happy cooking!

Easy and Delicious Hamburger Hush

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

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⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

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Welcome to a delightful culinary experience that combines the classic flavors of a juicy burger with the crispy, comforting texture of hush puppies! This easy and delicious hamburger hush recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20 for the right balance of flavor and moisture
• 1 cup cornmeal, use yellow cornmeal for a slight sweetness
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture
• 1 tablespoon baking powder, to give the hush puppies a nice rise
• 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance overall flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for better flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, to add depth of flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, for a slight sweetness and aroma
• 1 cup buttermilk, ensures a moist and tender texture
• 1 large egg, at room temperature for easier mixing
• 1 tablespoon garlic and herb seasoning (optional), to elevate the flavor profile
• Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a deep skillet about 2 inches); canola oil works as a great alternative
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack), adds an extra layer of flavor (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for a fresh crunch and color (optional)
• Sour cream or ranch dressing, to balance the richness of the dish (optional)
• Your favorite flavorful burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc.) (optional)

Directions

1.

In a deep skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to fill about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately, indicating that the oil is hot enough for frying.

2.

In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic and herb seasoning (if using). Whisk until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps.

3.

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until smooth. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated into the mixture.

4.

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5.

Gently fold in the ground beef until evenly distributed in the batter.

6.

Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

7.

Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove the hush puppies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

8.

Serve your hamburger hush warm with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and your favorite burger toppings.