Hamburger – Easy McDonald’s Copycat

This McDonald’s Hamburger copycat recipe is a simple, fast, and classic take on the original — thin, seasoned patties, rehydrated onions, and that signature ketchup-mustard-dot combo.

It’s got the nostalgic flavor you remember, but you can make it fresh at home in 15 minutes. Budget-friendly, no fancy gear needed, and honestly? Kinda therapeutic to stack.

Jump to Recipe

Quick Summary

• Prep time: 5 mins
• Cook time: 10 mins
• Flavor: Savory, tangy, a little sweet
• Great for: Quick dinners, picky eaters, comfort nights

Why I Like This Recipe

Didn’t think I’d be into something this basic — but it just worked. Super fast, didn’t make a mess, and weirdly satisfying to build. Been keeping dehydrated onions on hand ever since.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chuck (80/20)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp Accent seasoning (or msg)
• 2 tbsp dehydrated onions
• 8 hamburger buns
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 3 tbsp yellow mustard
• 16 dill pickle slices

How To Make Hamburger 

1. Mix your seasoning: In a bowl, stir together salt, pepper, and Accent. Done.
2. Hydrate the onions: Add warm water and let them sit while you prep the patties.
3. Form the patties: Make 8 small, flat patties from the ground beef. Don’t overwork it.
4. Cook on hot skillet: Medium-high heat. Press patties onto skillet for a few seconds. Flip, season, cook through.
5. Toast the buns: Cut side down on skillet until lightly golden.
6. Build the burger: Bottom bun → patty → onions → 2 pickles → top bun with 5 dots mustard + 5 dots ketchup.

Tips for Success

• 80/20 beef gives you that juicy texture
• Don’t pre-salt the meat — season during cooking
• Use dehydrated onions for that classic fast-food flavor
• Dot the sauces for a nostalgic look and even spread

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store assembled burgers for up to 3 days, but better if you keep components separate.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked patties only. Stack with parchment between.
• Reheat: Skillet on low with lid for patties. Toast buns fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh onions instead?
  You can, but it won’t taste like the original. Dehydrated gives that signature flavor.
• Do I really need Accent?
  No, but it gives that umami fast-food taste. MSG works too.
• What buns work best?
  Soft, classic hamburger buns. Save the brioche for something else.
• Is there cheese in the original?
  Not in the standard McDonald’s Hamburger — just the Cheeseburger version.
• Can I double up the patties?
  Yep. Just adjust the seasoning and cooking time a bit.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Over-shaping the patties: Don’t overwork the beef or they’ll get tough. Just press lightly into shape.
• Skipping the bun toast: Toasting adds texture and helps hold everything together.
• Using raw onions: It changes the vibe. Hydrated onions = softer, sweeter, and more classic.
• Guessing the sauce amounts: The “5 dots mustard, 5 ketchup” rule is weirdly balanced. Try it once.
• Cooking patties too fast: Medium-high heat is key. Too hot and they’ll dry out before cooking through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 640mg
• Potassium: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 13g

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• Triple Cheeseburger – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
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