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Julia Child Beef Patties Recipe

Julia Child Beef Patties Recipe

Craving juicy French-style burgers? This Julia Child Beef Patties recipe elevates simple ground beef. Tender patties with buttery richness and herb sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course  Main Dish
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs lean ground beef
  • ¾ cup onion finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp butter divided
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 egg beaten
  • ½ cup flour for dredging
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup beef broth or red wine
  • 3 tbsp butter softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp chives optional

Instructions
 

Cook the Onions

  • Melt 2 tbsp butter in skillet. Add chopped onions. Cook medium-low 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Onions turn soft, translucent. Not brown. Pure flavor base.

Mix the Beef

  • Cool onions slightly. Add to mixing bowl. Mix in ground beef, softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme. Beat in egg. Use wooden spoon. Mix vigorously 2 minutes. Sticky but smooth.

Shape Perfect Patties

  • Wet hands lightly. Form 6 oval patties. Make ¾-inch thick. Not too flat. Place on plate. Cover with plastic. Chill 30 minutes. Firms up nicely.

Dredge in Flour

  • Spread flour on plate. Lightly coat each patty. Shake off excess. Flour gives crusty exterior. French technique works magic.

Sear the Patties

  • Heat skillet medium-high. Add 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp oil. When foaming, add patties. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Golden crust forms. Medium rare inside. Keep warm.

Make Quick Pan Sauce

  • Remove patties to plate. Pour broth into hot skillet. Scrape brown bits. Boil hard 2 minutes. Reduces to syrup. Off heat, swirl in ½ tbsp butter. Repeat twice.

Finish with Herbs

  • Stir chopped parsley into sauce. Add chives if using. Taste for salt. Spoon hot sauce over patties. Garnish with extra herbs. Dinner smells amazing.

Notes

  • Use 85% lean beef. Too lean gets dry.
  • Finely mince onions. No big chunks.
  • Chill patties 30 minutes minimum.
  • Medium heat prevents burning.
  • Red wine makes richer sauce.
  • Add minced garlic to beef mix.
  • Serve with fried eggs on top.
  • Turkey works but flavor changes.
Keyword Julia Child Beef Patties Recipe