Aldi's Fast Food Copycat Will Have You Skipping the Drive-Thru

Quick, easy, and delicious—what’s not to love?

There’s nothing quite like a good burger. Switching up the buns and toppings can create different tasting experiences, making it easy to please your whole family with a single dish. Although making burgers from scratch isn't difficult, nothing beats the convenience of frozen patties. Not only do they come pre-shaped, but they also don’t require thawing before cooking. When Aldi fans started talking about Aldi’s frozen fast food copycat, we wanted to know more.

Aldi's Cattlemen’s Ranch Smash Burgers

Aldi's take on the beloved smash burger is called Cattlemen's Ranch Smash Burgers. Smash burgers are made with ultra-thin patties, known for their wispy edges and dark, flavorful sear. The Cattlemen's Ranch Smash Burgers are gluten free and feature 100 percent all-natural beef. Each package contains eight raw patties, each weighing 1/4 pound, making them ideal for those who enjoy doubling up for a heartier meal. With a cooking time of less than 10 minutes, shoppers can snag a box of these convenient patties to make dinner time easier than ever.

One Aldi shopper shared their take on the burger on Tiktok, a classic rendition topped with melty cheese and sautéed onions. Commenters couldn't wait to express their excitement about the new product and shared tips for different ways to cook the burger. "I did this last weekend at a cookout and I use Hawaiian rolls...came out great. I went back and got three more packs of those," said one user. "Cook them on the grill! So good," replied another.

According to package instructions, the burgers can be cooked using a skillet, flat top, grill, or broiler, so you can easily choose the method that best fits your needs.

Tips for Making Smash Burgers From Frozen

While many who tried Aldi's Smash Burgers loved them, some thought they didn't live up to their namesake. Luckily, a few extra steps are all it takes to ensure your burgers come out beautifully thin and just as delicious as they look on the package.

• Remember to season: While frozen burgers come pre-formed for convenience, they aren't always seasoned. Add a sprinkle of your favorite hamburger spice blend, salt and pepper, or use a generous sprinkle of seasoned salt on both sides to liven up the flavor.

• Use the right pan: Sauté pans and those with deep sides trap heat and moisture, causing grease to pool. One Redditor who tried the Aldi burgers mentioned that they release a fair amount of grease during cooking. Rather than using a deep skillet, opt for a griddle that allows the grease to drain. This will prevent the burgers from steaming, which inhibits the browning process. Alternatively, a cast iron skillet would also work.

• Press down as needed: If you'd like your burgers thinner, don't hesitate to use a burger press once they have softened during cooking. A metal spatula or a 6-inch baking pan also works well. Adding extra weight to the patties will achieve a more classic presentation and prevent cupping, allowing the burgers to get an even sear.

Don't forget to load up on your favorite toppings and toast the bun for a true restaurant feel. While you're at it, why not toss a batch of fries into the air fryer for a quick, crispy side dish to complete the meal?

Read the original article on All Recipes.