The smell of burgers sizzling on a hot grill is one of the smells that signals to my brain every year that it’s summer. For my family, summer means more casual, impromptu outings, simple barbecue-centric dinners, spending time outdoors, and connecting with the people we love.
I’ve always made my own burgers (nothing beats a homemade burger), but my sister, whose husband works long hours in the film industry, has started hosting weekly burger parties to make life easier. She uses frozen burgers from Costco for a no-cook night, and she and her boys love the ritual. Her youngest even requested burgers for his birthday dinner recently. And I have to admit, I get a little excited every time we’re invited to a burger party.
So when I saw that ALDI was offering a 24-pack of quarter-pound beef burgers, I made the impromptu decision to incorporate my sister’s minimalist approach to entertaining and grilling into my family’s routine. Was it too risky to dive into a box of 24 burgers at once? Would we spend less time cooking this summer and more time hanging out with family and friends? And would these frozen patties live up to the hype over my sister’s easy-to-prepare barbecue?
Only time will tell, but they’re living up to my expectations so far. These “restaurant-quality” burgers are great for simple summer Friday night dinners or busy barbecues when you don’t have the time (or energy) to hand-form dozens of patties. They’re convenient, delicious, and a perfect freezer food for impromptu grilling all summer long.
Simple recipes / Photo illustration by Wanda Abraham / ALDI
What I Love About ALDI Quarter Pound Beef Burgers
For just $14.99, each six-pound box contains 24 individually quick frozen (IQF) quarter-pound patties, which works out to about $2.50 per pound or 62 cents per burger. The IQF process claims to lock in freshness and juiciness, and you can easily grab as many burgers as you need without defrosting the entire box. Plus, the patties have a perforated surface that ensures faster cooking and prevents the annoying settling that can happen with burgers.
I usually make my burgers by hand, so while frozen patties are a key component, I was impressed with how juicy and flavorful they were. They're higher in fat, which can be off-putting to some people, but the fat adds a rich flavor for a classic burger experience. Everything in moderation, right?
How I Cook ALDI Quarter Pound Beef Burgers
One of my favorite things about these burgers is how quickly they cook. In the 15 minutes it took my husband to cook the frozen burgers, I prepped all the toppings and a crispy Caesar salad. Together, we had our entire dinner (plus leftovers) ready in about 20 minutes.
My kids loved them so much that my daughter (who is eating meat again) even asked if we could have a build-your-own burger bar at an upcoming family event. They also repurpose great as leftovers. Inspired by a recipe I found for a burger bowl, I reheated a leftover burger and added it to my salad for lunch today.
The weirdest benefit of having a box of burgers in my freezer is the positive impact it’s had on my well-being. While burgers and well-being probably seem like an oxymoron, knowing I had something easy to make this weekend removed the barrier to having friends over. We often want to invite people over for a last-minute dinner, but find ourselves deciding against it because we need more time to shop and prep. These burgers make me feel like that. such Easier.
My favorite toppings are a layer of mustard, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, spicy onion, and tangy dill pickles—things we always have in the fridge. To invite people over, simply provide them with fresh rolls and add other accompaniments.
I love the idea of keeping it simple this summer, and ALDI’s Quarter Pound Beef Burgers are one way to do it. They’re convenient, tasty, and perfect for everything from casual family dinners to backyard parties. Like all ALDI finds, they’re only available while supplies last. So if you’re also a fan of keeping it simple, head to your local store and grab a box before they’re gone!
