Summer is here, the grill is calling, and nothing says "classic cookout" quite like a perfectly cooked burger. But what separates a good burger from an unforgettable one? At Purple Mockingbird Farm, we believe the secret isn't just in the toppings (though those are fun!), but in the quality of the beef itself.

The Foundation: Happier. Healthier. Pasture-Raised Ground Beef.

Let's be real: the patty is the star. When you start with our pasture-raised ground beef, you're already miles ahead. Our cattle graze freely on lush Appomattox pastures, leading to beef that’s not only healthier (richer in Omega-3s!) but also boasts a deep, nuanced flavor that shines through.

Forming the Perfect Patty: Handle your ground beef minimally. Overworking it makes burgers tough. Gently form patties about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, and always press a small dimple in the center with your thumb. This prevents the burger from bulging in the middle as it cooks.
Season Simply: With beef this good, you don't need much. A generous sprinkle of good quality salt and freshly cracked black pepper before it hits the heat is often all you need to let that natural, rich flavor sing.
Grill Smart: Preheat your grill (or cast-iron skillet!) to medium-high heat. Don't press down on the burgers while they cook – that squeezes out all those delicious juices! Cook to your preferred doneness (we recommend medium to medium-rare for maximum juiciness).

Charcoal Fire

Using real lump charcoal adds a layer of flavor that cannot be beat!

Ready to Up Your Burger Game? Try Chopped Cube Steak!

Looking for a truly gourmet burger experience, or want to experiment beyond traditional ground beef? Here's a pro tip from the farm: make burgers from chopped cube steak!

Cube steak, while typically used for dishes like Chicken Fried Steak, comes from lean cuts that have been mechanically tenderized. This process breaks down muscle fibers, making it surprisingly tender. When chopped finely, it offers a fantastic, unique texture in a burger patty – a little more rustic, incredibly meaty, and with a fantastic bite.

How to make them:

Take a package of our pasture-raised Cube Steak.
Using a very sharp knife (or even a food processor with a coarse chop setting), finely chop the cube steak into small, pea-sized pieces. Don't mince it to a paste!
You can use 100% chopped cube steak, or mix it with a small amount of our ground beef for extra richness and binding.
Form into patties as you would with ground beef, season well, and grill or pan-fry.

The result? A burger that's wonderfully tender, intensely beefy, and a conversation starter at any cookout! It's a fantastic way to utilize a versatile cut and elevate your burger repertoire.

Beyond the Patty: The Supporting Cast

Even the best patty needs a great supporting cast:

The Bun: Toast your buns! A lightly toasted bun with grass fed organic butter adds texture and prevents it from getting soggy.
Toppings that Pop: Think beyond the basics. Caramelized onions, farm-fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, a fried egg, artisanal cheeses, or a homemade special sauce can transform your burger.