How to Make Extra "Beefy" Above + Beyond® Burgers

Our favorite Beyond Burger recipe has a few special additions that make it taste even more convincingly "meaty".  And that's why we named it the "Above and Beyond Burger". These veggie burgers are full of extra "beefy" flavor with the pea-protein flavor that this plant-based "meat" is made from taking a back seat.

And while there's really nothing like the taste of a sizzling hot, all-beef cheeseburger (we love those too), I can honestly say that when we eat this meatless burger version, we don't miss the beef at all (as in, none whatsoever).

What's in Beyond "Beef" "Meat"? 

The ingredients found in Beyond Burger "meat" or "beef" may sound strange at first glance, but they're all ingredients found in nature. Beyond Burger™ uses: Pea protein isolate, expeller-pressed canola oil, refined coconut oil, water, yeast extract, maltodextrin, natural flavors, gum arabic, sunflower oil, salt, succinic acid, acetic acid, non-GMO modified food starch, cellulose from bamboo, methylcellulose, potato starch, beet juice extract (for color), ascorbic acid (to maintain color), annatto extract (for color), citrus fruit extract (to maintain quality), and vegetable glycerin.

Why We Love This Extra Beefy Beyond Meat Burger?

• It's seasoned with a few special ingredients to make it more convincingly beefy-tasting
• Ready in 10 minutes or less (burger night has never been easier to pull off)
• It's good for the environment to eat less beef every once in a while
• It's an easy recipe for kids to help make
• It's really delicious

What Does Beyond Burger "Meat" Taste Like?

First, let's break down the flavor of Beyond "meat" vs the smell of it. When you first open the package, the pea protein aroma hits you -- and it vaguely reminds me of the faint scent of fingernail polish remover.

This sounds completely unappealing, I know, but when you season and cook the meat, it takes on a whole new delicious meaty flavor and texture, and the pea protein flavor turns into an almost charbroiled flavor.

Beyond Meat has a really pleasant chew to it that's reminiscent of the texture of beef, which adds to the overall burger experience.

Does Beyond "Meat" Taste Like Real Beef?

If you're someone who decided to become a vegan or vegetarian to help the planet and you haven't had real meat in years, you'll be excited by how deliciously "beefy" Beyond Meat is.

If you're someone who eats a little of everything (a mindful omnivore) who's trying to cut down on your beef (or overall meat) consumption, this will totally fill the void and any craving you have for an all-beef burger.

And for those of you who are diehard meat-lovers and can't live life without the real deal, these burgers may very well be just good enough to hit the spot on occasion. The best way to know if you'll enjoy it is to make your own.

Extra Delicious Above and Beyond Burger Ingredients 

This is one of our favorite veggie burger recipes to make. If you're vegan, you'll need to replace the Lea & Perrin's Worcestershire Sauce (which has anchovies in it) with a vegan version or omit it altogether.

For the Burger Seasoning

• 1 package of Beyond Mince or Beyond Burger
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (2g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (4g)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (5g)
• salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 homemade potato buns or Martin's Potato Rolls
• 1 tablespoon of oil (for cooking the burgers)

For the Burger Toppings and Garnishes

• cheddar cheese
• American cheese
• fried crispy prosciutto or bacon
• onions
• smoky quick pickled red onions
• pickles
• lettuce
• tomatoes
• Smoky Burger Sauce 
• mustard
• mayonnaise
• ketchup

How to Make Extra Delicious Above and Beyond Veggie Burgers (w/Step-by-Step Recipe Photos)

There's a reason why both beef lovers and vegetarians love this faux-meat burger -- it's really delicious and easy to cook.  Getting a good sear on the "meat" adds extra flavor and texture, so be sure to get your skillet nice and hot before adding the seasoned patties to cook.

Step 1. Season the Beyond mince & form the patties. Add the mince "meat", onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to a mixing bowl and mix well using your hands (or a fork) until combined. Form two large patties (or 3 small ones) and press them down to the desired thickness, and set them aside until ready to cook.

Step 2. Toast the buns. Just before you begin cooking the burgers, butter and toast the buns under the broiler or in a warm skillet until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and add any desired sauces to the bottom bun along with lettuce, pickles, onions, and tomatoes.

Step 3. Cook the burgers. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet (or other heavy-gauged skillet). Just when the oil starts to smoke, add the burgers, and do not move them once they hit the skillet. Sear the burgers for 3 minutes on the first side, or until golden and the juice starts to pool on top of the patty.

Flip them over, add the cheese (and cooked bacon or prosciutto if using), and the top bun and cover with a lid to help melt the cheese and steam the bun. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the burger is cooked through.

Step 4. Assemble the burger. Place the burgers onto the dressed bottom buns and serve with your favorite fries, salad, or potato chips, Enjoy!

Looking For More Easy Sandwich Recipes?

If you need a few easy weeknight dinner or office lunch recipes, here are a few of our favorite sandwiches to try.

More Beef-Less & Easy Meatless Burger Recipes

• Best Smoky Shake Shack Shroom Burger (smoky, cheesy mushroom burger)
• Fluffy-Soft Homemade Pork Buns (Momofuku & Ippudo-Style)

 Let's get started!

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