Matthew McConaughey’s Perfect Burger is simple, bold, and unapologetically flavorful—very on brand. The secret? A classic packet of onion soup mix blended straight into the beef, creating a juicy, savory patty that needs almost no seasoning. Finished with crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, spicy pickles, jalapeños, and melty American cheese, this burger is all about laid-back Texas-style satisfaction.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Minimal prep, maximum flavor
- Onion soup mix seasons the meat perfectly
- Juicy, no-fail burger patties
- Easy to customize with favorite toppings
- Ideal for grilling season, game days, or casual cookouts
What Makes This Burger Special?
Instead of fussing with multiple spices, this recipe relies on onion soup mix—a retro, genius shortcut that delivers salt, umami, and onion flavor in one move. Combined with classic American cheese and bold toppings like Texas heat pickles and pickled jalapeños, the result is a burger that’s rich, juicy, and deeply craveable.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overmix the beef—combine just until incorporated.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers.
- Make a small thumb indent in each patty to prevent puffing.
- Let the burgers rest briefly after grilling to lock in juices.
- Toast the buns for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ground beef works best?
An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for juicy, flavorful burgers.
Can I cook these on a skillet instead of a grill?
Yes. Cook in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Is onion soup mix salty?
It is seasoned, so no extra salt is needed in the patties.
Can I add egg or breadcrumbs?
You can, but it’s not necessary—this recipe works best kept simple.
What cheese melts best?
American cheese melts smoothly, but cheddar or pepper jack also work well.
How to Store
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
How to Freeze
Freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Burger buns
- Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado, thinly sliced
- Red onion, sliced
- Texas heat pickles
- Pickled jalapeños
- American cheese slices
How to Make Matthew McConaughey’s Perfect Burger
- Mix the meat: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef and onion soup mix until evenly incorporated.
- Form patties: Divide into 4-oz patties and shape gently, avoiding overpacking.
- Grill: Cook on a preheated grill over medium-high heat to your desired doneness, flipping once. Add cheese during the last minute to melt.
- Assemble: Place patties on toasted buns. Top with lettuce, avocado, red onion, pickles, jalapeños, and any other favorites.
- Serve: Close the bun, press lightly, and enjoy immediately.
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