With Aldi’s fast food imitator, you no longer have to go to the drive-in
Quick, easy and delicious – what’s not to like?
There’s nothing better than a good burger. Changing up the buns and toppings can create different flavors, so you can easily feed your whole family with a single dish. While it’s not difficult to make burgers from scratch, the convenience of frozen patties can’t be beat. Not only are they pre-formed, but there’s no need to defrost them before cooking. When Aldi fans started talking about Aldi’s frozen fast food copycat, we wanted to know more.
Aldi’s Cattlemen’s Ranch Smash Burger
Aldi’s version of the popular smash burger is called Cattlemen’s Ranch Smash Burgers. Smash burgers are made with ultra-thin patties known for their thin edges and dark, flavorful crust. The Cattlemen’s Ranch Smash Burgers are gluten-free and made with 100 percent natural beef. Each package contains eight raw patties, each weighing 1/4 pound, making them ideal for those who like to eat twice as much when they want a hearty meal. With a cooking time of less than 10 minutes, shoppers can grab a box of these convenient patties to make dinnertime easier than ever.
An Aldi customer shared their version of the burger on Tiktok, a classic version with melted cheese and sautéed onions. Commenters couldn’t wait to express their excitement about the new product and offered tips for different ways to prepare the burger. “I made this at a BBQ last weekend and I used Hawaiian rolls… it turned out great. I went back and bought three more packs of these,” said one user. “Fry them on the BBQ! So good,” replied another.
According to the instructions on the package, the burgers can be prepared in a frying pan, on a flat plate, on a grill or on a broiler, so you can easily choose the method that best suits your needs.
Tips for making smash burgers from frozen
Many who tried Aldi’s Smash Burgers loved them, but some felt they didn’t live up to their name. Thankfully, it only takes a few extra steps to ensure your burgers turn out nice and thin and just as delicious as they look on the packaging.
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Remember to season: While frozen burgers are pre-formed for convenience, they are not always seasoned. Sprinkle them with your favorite hamburger seasoning, salt and pepper, or sprinkle seasoning salt generously on both sides to liven up the flavor.
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Use the right pan: Sauté pans and pans with high sides trap heat and moisture, causing grease to build up. One Redditor who tried Aldi’s burgers mentioned that they render quite a bit of grease when cooked. Instead of a deep pan, use a griddle that allows the grease to drain. This will prevent the burgers from steaming, which will slow the browning process. Alternatively, a cast iron pan will also work.
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Press down as needed: If you like your burgers thinner, you can use a burger press after they’ve softened from cooking. A metal spatula or 6-inch baking pan also works well. Adding extra weight to the patties will give you a more classic presentation and prevent them from deforming, so the burgers will cook evenly.
Don’t forget to top with your favorite toppings and toast the bun for a real restaurant feel. And while you’re at it, why not throw a batch of fries in the air fryer to complete the meal for a quick, crispy side dish?
Read the original article on All Recipes.