What's the difference between "hamburger" and "ground beef"? Beef fat may be added to "hamburger," but not "ground beef." A maximum of 30% fat is allowed in either hamburger or ground beef. Both hamburger and ground beef can have seasonings, but no water, phosphates, extenders, or binders added. The labeling of meat food products must comply with the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the meat inspection regulations and labeling policies. Most states and cities set standards for store-packaged ground beef which, by law, cannot be less than Federal standards. If products in retail stores were found to contain more than 30% fat, they would be considered "misbranded" under Federal law. Source: USDA

What causes ground beef patties to shrink while cooking? All meat will shrink in size and weight during cooking. The amount of shrinkage will depend on its fat and moisture content, the temperature at which the meat is cooked, and how long it is cooked. Basically, the higher the cooking temperature, the greater the shrinkage. Cooking ground beef at moderate temperatures will reduce shrinkage and help retain juices and flavor. Overcooking draws out more fat and juices from ground beef, resulting in a dry, less tasty product. Source: USDA

Crunchy Layered Taco Salad
Makes 6 Servings

prep 10 min.
cooking 10 min.

1 lb. ground beef
2 cans (15 to 19 oz. each) black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 cups (4 oz.) FRENCH'S® Original or Cheddar French Fried Onions 2 cups (4 oz.)
(1 1/4 oz.) taco seasoning mix 1 pkg. (1 1/4 oz.)
6 cups shredded lettuce
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

COOK beef in large nonstick skillet until browned, about 5 min.

STIR in beans, tomatoes, 1 cup French Fried Onions and taco seasoning mix. Simmer 5 min. until slightly thickened and flavors are blended, stirring often.

LAYER beef mixture over lettuce on platter. Top with cheese and remaining French Fried Onions. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Used with Permission from French's Kitchen
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What is the best way to thaw ground beef? The best way to safely thaw ground beef is in the refrigerator. Keeping meat cold while it is defrosting is essential to prevent growth of bacteria. Cook or refreeze within 1 or 2 days. To defrost ground beef more rapidly, you can defrost in the microwave oven or in cold water. If using the microwave, cook the ground beef immediately because some areas may begin to cook during the defrosting. To defrost in cold water, put the meat in a watertight plastic bag and submerge. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately. Do not refreeze raw ground meat thawed in cold water or in the microwave oven unless you cook it first. Never leave ground beef or any perishable food out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour at 90 °F and above). Source  USDA

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Crunchy Onion Cheeseburger
Makes 6 Servings

prep 10 min.
cooking 10 min.

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 cups (4 oz.) FRENCH'S® Cheddar or Original French Fried Onions
3 tbsp. FRENCH'S® Classic Worcestershire Sauce
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
6 slices American cheese

MIX beef, 1 cup French Fried Onions, Worcestershire and garlic powder. Shape into 6 burgers.
GRILL burgers about 10 min. until cooked through in center.

TOP each with 1 slice cheese. Cook 1 min. until cheese melts.

SERVE burgers on rolls with lettuce and tomatoes, if desired. Top each burger with remaining French Fried Onions.
Used with Permission from French's Kitchen
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Can I refrigerate or freeze leftover cooked hamburgers? How should they be reheated? If ground beef is refrigerated promptly after cooking (within 2 hours; 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 °F), it can be safely refrigerated for about 3 or 4 days. If frozen, it should keep its quality for about 4 months. When reheating fully cooked patties or casseroles containing ground beef, be sure the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Source: USDA

The recipes listed in this site, the term hamburger and ground beef are used interchangeably,

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