Steaming Frozen Beef Patties: A Quick, Easy Pressure Cooker Method

Cooking frozen beef patties in a pressure steamer is a convenient and quick way to prepare a meal when you're short on time. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook frozen beef patties to perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker. Add the recommended amount of water, which is typically 1 cup for a 3 or 6-quart pressure cooker and 1.5 cups for an 8-quart model. The water creates the necessary moisture for pressure to build up.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Beef Patties

Take the desired number of frozen beef patties out of their packaging and place them on the trivet or steamer basket. Make sure they are spaced evenly with a little room between each patty for even cooking.

Step 3: Close and Seal the Pressure Cooker

Put the lid on the pressure cooker and ensure the vent is closed. Set the cooker to high pressure and adjust the timer according to the weight and thickness of the patties. For context, 1 pound of beef typically requires around 20 minutes, while 2 pounds may need 23-32 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a natural pressure release by letting the pressure release naturally for about 5-10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure by opening the valve.

Step 5: Check the Temperature and Doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef patties. For ground beef, the recommended minimum internal temperature is 160°F (165°F for well-done). If the patties are not fully cooked, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the patties from the pressure cooker and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them as-is or add your favorite condiments and toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful beef patties!

Use a trivet or steamer basket to cook the beef patties

Using a trivet or steamer basket is an essential step when cooking frozen beef patties in a pressure steamer, as it ensures the meat cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming watery. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Place the metal trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker pot. If using a trivet, ensure it has heat-resistant handles to make removal easier later. For a 6-quart pressure cooker, add one cup of water or the minimum liquid required for your cooker. If you're using an 8-quart pressure cooker, use 1.5 cups of water.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Beef Patties

Take your frozen beef patties out of their packaging and place them on the trivet or steamer basket. If the patties are too long, break them in half so they fit comfortably without touching the water. Leave a bit of space between each patty to allow for even cooking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Patties

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and ensure the sealing valve is closed. Set the cooker to high pressure and adjust the time according to the weight of your patties. As a general guideline, cook for 20 minutes per pound of meat. For example, if you're cooking two pounds of beef patties, set the timer for 23 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, do a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes. This helps the meat retain moisture and ensures it cooks evenly. After the natural release, open the valve to release any remaining steam/pressure.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

Use an instant-read kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. For ground beef, the minimum safe temperature is 160°F (71°C). If the patties haven't reached this temperature, seal the cooker again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve or Continue Cooking

If your patties are fully cooked, remove them from the pressure cooker and serve as desired. If they need further cooking, select the sauté mode on your cooker. Once the pot is hot, add a tablespoon of oil and place the patties back in. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Cook the beef patties for 20 minutes at high pressure

Cooking frozen beef patties in a pressure steamer is a convenient and quick way to prepare a meal. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker. This is important as it will keep the beef patties from boiling directly in the water. Then, add about a cup of water or the minimum amount of liquid required for your pressure cooker.

Step 2: Add the Frozen Beef Patties

Place the frozen beef patties on top of the trivet or steamer basket. There is no need to break them down or defrost them beforehand. Make sure they are not overlapping and are in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 3: Close the Lid and Cook

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, ensuring that the sealing valve is closed. Set the cooker to high pressure and the timer for 20 minutes. This timing is based on cooking 1 pound of frozen beef patties. If you are cooking 2 pounds, increase the cooking time to 23 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, do not rush to open the pressure cooker. Instead, allow it to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. This gradual release of pressure helps the meat retain moisture and continue cooking gently.

Step 5: Release Remaining Pressure

After the 5-minute natural pressure release, it's time to release the remaining pressure. Be cautious during this step. Open the sealing valve slowly or use the quick pressure release function if your cooker has one.

Step 6: Check the Temperature and Doneness

Before serving or using the beef patties, it is crucial to ensure they are fully cooked. Use an instant-read kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. For beef, the temperature should reach at least 160°F to 165°F. If the center of the patties is still raw, return them to the cooker and continue cooking.

Step 7: Serve or Use in Recipes

Once the beef patties are fully cooked, you can serve them as-is with some seasoning or use them in various recipes. They are excellent for tacos, rice bowls, spaghetti, sloppy joes, or even Asian-inspired dishes with sesame oil and soy sauce. Enjoy your delicious and efficiently cooked meal!

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your meat is cooked properly. It's especially important when cooking meat from a frozen state, as it can be difficult to gauge doneness without one. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your frozen beef patties cooked in a pressure steamer:

Choosing the Right Meat Thermometer

There are two main types of meat thermometers: oven-going and instant-read. Oven-going thermometers are designed to be left in the meat during the cooking process, even when grilling or smoking. This type includes leave-in thermometers and oven-going probes. Leave-in thermometers are inserted into the meat before putting it in the oven and checked regularly. Oven-going probes have a base that stays outside the oven, with a probe attached to monitor the temperature. These come in wired or Bluetooth versions.

Instant-read thermometers, on the other hand, are not meant to be left in the oven. They provide a quick temperature reading and help prevent moisture loss. They come in digital and analog forms. Digital instant-read thermometers give a temperature reading in about 10 seconds, while analog ones can take up to 20 seconds.

Inserting the Thermometer

When inserting the thermometer, aim for the thickest part of the meat patty. This will give you the most accurate reading. For thinner cuts like burgers, insert the thermometer horizontally into the centre instead of vertically, to ensure you're measuring the temperature at the thickest part. Avoid touching any bones or fatty areas with the thermometer, as this can result in an inaccurate reading.

Taking the Temperature

Allow the thermometer to stabilise and give an accurate reading. This may take a few seconds for instant-read thermometers or a few minutes for probe thermometers. Slowly retract the thermometer through the meat to find the coolest part, which will be the temperature reading you should go by. For beef, the safe minimum internal temperature is 145°F (62.8°C) for beef, pork, veal, and lamb, and 160°F (71.1°C) for ground meats.

Food Safety and Accuracy

Using a meat thermometer is crucial for food safety, as colour and texture alone cannot accurately indicate whether your meat is safely cooked. Different types of meat have different safe minimum internal temperatures, and a thermometer takes the guesswork out of knowing when your meat is done. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat, especially when cooking from frozen, to ensure food safety and a delicious end result.

Brown the beef patties after cooking to add extra flavour

Browning your beef patties after cooking them in a pressure steamer is a great way to add extra flavour and texture to your meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect brown on your beef patties:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Before cooking the frozen beef patties in your pressure steamer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, remove any plastic packaging from the patties. This will ensure that the meat can cook evenly and reduce the risk of any unwanted materials ending up in your meal.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Patties in the Pressure Steamer

Place a trivet or steamer basket inside your pressure cooker and add water. The amount of water will depend on the size of your cooker; for a 6-quart pressure cooker, one cup of water is usually sufficient. Place the frozen beef patties on top of the trivet, ensuring they don't overlap. Secure the lid, making sure the sealing valve is closed, and cook on high pressure. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your patties; for one pound, cook for 20 minutes, and for two pounds, cook for 23 minutes.

Step 3: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking program is complete, do a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. This means you'll leave the valve closed and allow the pressure to release gradually. After 5 minutes, open the valve to release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Check the Temperature and Doneness

Using a kitchen thermometer, check the internal temperature of your beef patties. For ground beef, the recommended internal temperature is 160-165°F. If the patties are not fully cooked, they can be returned to the pressure cooker for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Brown the Beef Patties

Now it's time to add some extra flavour by browning the beef patties. First, discard the liquid from the pressure cooker and clean the inner pot. Select the sauté mode and add a tablespoon of oil to the pot. Place the cooked beef patties in the hot oil and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break them up into smaller pieces. Allow the patties to cook for a few minutes without stirring, as this will help develop a nice brown crust. Continue to break up the meat and stir occasionally until all the pieces are evenly browned.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Once the beef patties are nicely browned, it's time to season them. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with any other desired seasonings or spices. If the beef seems dry, you can add a tablespoon of warm beef broth to moisten it. Serve the beef patties as desired, such as in tacos, on a bed of rice, or with your favourite pasta sauce and spaghetti.

Season the beef patties with salt and pepper

Seasoning your beef patties with salt and pepper is a simple yet crucial step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your patties are seasoned to perfection:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Salt

Using coarse salt, such as kosher salt, is the best option for seasoning ground beef. The larger granules allow for better control and enhance the flavour of the final burger. If you're seasoning one pound of ground beef, plan for about 3/4 teaspoon of coarse salt.

Step 2: Adding Freshly Ground Pepper

In addition to salt, freshly ground pepper is an ideal accompaniment to beef. Use the same amount of pepper as you did salt—3/4 teaspoon per pound of ground beef. The combination of salt and pepper will give your patties a classic, savoury flavour.

Step 3: Timing is Everything

The timing of when you season your patties is important. Ideally, you should season them right before you're ready to cook them or, at most, a few minutes beforehand. This is because salt draws moisture out of the meat over time, so if you season too early, your patties may become dry and tough.

Step 4: Forming the Patties

When forming your patties, don't overwork the meat. Handle it just enough to shape it into the desired size and thickness. Make the patties about 1/2 inch larger than your burger buns, as they tend to shrink during cooking. It's also a good idea to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up on the grill.

Step 5: Applying the Seasoning

Once your patties are formed, it's time to apply the salt and pepper. Be generous! Use about 1/3 teaspoon of each per side of the patty. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the surface of the patties, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 6: Cooking the Patties

After seasoning, it's best to cook the patties as soon as possible. Place them on a preheated grill or in a pan and cook to your desired doneness. Remember that the seasonings will enhance the flavour of the beef, so trust your instincts and don't over-season.

By following these steps, you'll end up with juicy, flavourful beef patties that will be the star of your meal. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions