Question

[DSCatering]

I have a client who raises cattle. Occasionally she calls and is "cleaning out the freezer". In other words, free beef. She cannot consume what she processes.... Anyway, last back of ground (and I don't usually know what % blend it is). Best way to say it is that it is a little granular, and not holding a patty well at all.

Any suggestions for a little better binding. I don't want much, just not breaking down into chunks on the grill.

[DSCatering]

batch, thumbs.

[FireMan]

Hatch, fingers.

[tbob4]

Try egg(s) as a binder

[texastweeter]

How much grease is coming out of it? If dry add some ground bacon or brisket fat.

[Santamarina]

When I’ve had trouble with burgers breaking apart it’s been because the fat content was too low. If the meat I have looks a little lean I’ll add some extra fat - either frozen brisket trimmings or a few pieces of bacon.

[Jerod Broussard]

Fat and a really fine grind really help. The burgers I get from my dad from the local slaughterhouse back home have plenty fat, and the meat is ground so small any smaller and it would be minced. Just Tony's seasoning and they do great simply forming by hand.

[DavidNorcross]

There is not enough fat. I have experienced this alot with grass fed beef. Need to add fat.

[DSCatering]

Thanks everyone. Got a couple ideas formulating. Don't have a grinder now so a little tough to add fat. Thought about picking up some 70/30 GB , a small amount and blending..

[Santamarina]

Grinding my own meat is what took my burgers to the next level.

This is the grinder I bought. I absolutely love it. They have big sales a few times per year - 20-25% off. I picked up mine for about $90.

https://www.meatyourmaker.com/process/grinders/500-watt-grinder-12/1117072.html#start=1

[rickgregory]

You could also just mince some fat really finely or toss it in a food processor if you have one (freeze partly first)

[58limited]

Or if you have a local butcher see if you can buy some fat trim and have them grind it for you. You can ask the grocery meat department as well. I've added bacon grease when forming patties too - works well.

[Jared49]

Ask at your local grocery meat department or meat market for some suet. You can easily chop it or freeze it and put it in your food processor or blender, pulsing it and add it to the beef.

[FireMan]

I just added a few tbsp of bacon drippins to 2lbs of ground venison, did the trick.
You can also use duck fat or lard.

[DSCatering]

I just added a few tbsp of bacon drippins to 2lbs of ground venison, did the trick.
You can also use duck fat or lard.

DUH... What the heck am i saving bacon grease (other than not wanting to stop up the pipes (water, not mine!). SOLUTION!!!

[Bkhuna]

DUH... What the heck am i saving bacon grease (other than not wanting to stop up the pipes (water, not mine!). SOLUTION!!!

How can you make cornbread without bacon drippings?

[texastweeter]

For real