We Tested and Ranked 10 Frozen Beef Burger Patties

Exploring the World of Frozen Beef Burgers

There's something undeniably satisfying about a grilled burger, especially during the summer months when backyard barbecues and outdoor events are in full swing. But why limit this joy to just warm weather? Burgers can be enjoyed year-round, and you don’t always have to visit places like Five Guys or Shake Shack to get a great one. For this taste test, I explored 10 frozen beef burger options available at local stores, aiming to determine which brands are worth your time and which should be avoided.

Holten’s Chop House: A Disappointing Smash

Among the 10 frozen burger patty brands I tried, Holten’s Chop House was one of the two smash burgers I tested. Unfortunately, these didn't live up to expectations. Despite following all the instructions, the patties turned out watery, slimy, and lacked any seasoning. The texture was unappealing, and the burger fell apart with every bite. While some might argue that seasoning can be added later, the overall experience was underwhelming. If you're looking for a quality smash burger, this brand is not the one to choose.

Good & Gather: Minimal Processing, Not So Much Flavor

Target's Good & Gather brand offers 85/15 all-natural beef patties, which came in ninth place. These patties are free from artificial ingredients and minimally processed, which is a positive point. However, the texture was dry and gristly, giving off a processed feel. The taste was bland, almost flavorless, making it difficult to recommend. While the concept is to provide a neutral base for custom seasoning, the texture made it hard to enjoy. For a better burger experience, look elsewhere.

Aldi 85/15: No Brand, Just a Taste

Aldi's frozen burgers are simply labeled as "Beef Burgers" without a specific brand name. The bag claims they are 100% pure beef with no artificial ingredients. While the texture was less processed than some other options, the flavor was lacking. These patties were frozen together, making them difficult to separate. The lack of bold flavors and the overall blandness made it hard to justify their purchase. If you're looking for a more flavorful option, consider other brands on this list.

Philly Gourmet: A Mixed Bag

Philly Gourmet offered another smashed burger option, which ranked higher than Holten's but still fell short of being impressive. While the patty cooked better than the previous option, it was still watery. However, it was the first to taste like actual beef, which earned it some points. That said, the overall experience wasn’t enough to make it a top choice. For a better burger, consider visiting a local burger shop or making your own.

Marketside: Big on Size, Not on Flavor

Marketside’s burgers claimed to be 100% Angus beef with ⅓ pound patties, offering a welcome change in size. However, the texture was subpar, with some chewy and gritty spots. The flavor was described as "fine," with nothing truly standout. While the size was a big draw, the lack of flavor and texture issues kept it mid-ranking.

Signature Select: A Middle-of-the-Road Option

Signature Select’s burgers were a hit-or-miss experience. While the texture was slightly off on the outer layer, the rest of the patty cooked well. These were the first to taste like real beef, which was a positive. However, the mouthfeel felt processed, preventing them from being a top pick. They are a decent budget option if you need a quick burger fix.

Homestyle By Our Best: A Flavorful but Texturally Challenging Choice

Homestyle By Our Best’s quarter-pound patties stood out for their salty, juicy flavor. They were the first to offer embedded flavor, which was a refreshing change. However, the texture was slimy and unappealing. While the flavor was a highlight, the texture made it hard to recommend these burgers over others.

Great Value: A Surprising Winner

Walmart’s Great Value brand proved to be a total win. Their 85/15 option had a texture that mimicked homemade burgers, with no processed feel. The taste was excellent, and the patties cooked well to the desired level. These are a great base for toppings and are highly recommended for anyone looking for a quality frozen burger.

Cattlemen’s Ranch: A Flavorful Runner-Up

Cattlemen’s Ranch Bacon & Cheddar Cheese patties offered an ideal flavor profile with chunks of cheese and bacon. The aged Cheddar and smoky bacon added depth that few other burgers could match. While the texture wasn’t perfect, the flavor was a strong contender. These are a great option for those who want a more indulgent burger experience.

Bubba: The Clear Winner

Bubba’s original 100% USDA ⅓-pound beef chuck burgers were a standout. They cooked up like homemade burgers, with near-flawless texture and juicy bites. These burgers tasted like beef and nothing else, making them the clear winner in this ranking. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out on a fantastic frozen burger option.

How the Ranking Was Done

To ensure fairness, I cooked each of the 10 burgers in a pan, following the instructions exactly. I tasted them both plain and with a bun and toppings to see how the flavors would hold up. Texture played a significant role in the ranking, but flavor was the ultimate deciding factor. This comprehensive approach helped identify the best frozen beef burger options available.