Gumbo Burgers

4 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 25 m Total: 35 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Gumbo Burgers
Here is a novel idea for leftover gumbo: Use leftover gumbo broth to transform ground beef into these flavorful sloppy joe-style sandwiches with onions, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 small onion sliced thinly
  • 2 tbsp oil (Canola or Vegetable) or bacon fat
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup leftover gumbo broth or one can gumbo
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 dollop each of mustard and catsup
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • dashes of your favorite hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a heavy medium pot add the oil and sauté the onions until brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the meat and brown, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-8 minutes.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients (leftover gumbo broth, water, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mustard, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce), mix well and heat through.
  3. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve hot like a Manwich sandwich; spoon on a hot toasted hamburger bun.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use canned gumbo if I don't have leftovers?

A: Yes, the recipe specifically mentions you can use one can of gumbo if you don't have leftover gumbo broth. It won't have quite the same depth of homemade gumbo, but it works well.

Q: The mixture seems too thick or too thin—what do I do?

A: Adjust consistency by adding more water if too thick, or simmering uncovered a bit longer if too thin. The mixture should be saucy like a sloppy joe, not soupy or dry.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip browning the onions properly—they add sweetness and depth to the final dish. And if you have leftover gumbo with meat and vegetables in it, even better; just chop up any large pieces before adding.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ground beef: ground turkey or ground pork
  • leftover gumbo broth: beef broth with a tablespoon of roux and Cajun seasoning
  • bacon fat: canola or vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

  • heavy medium pot
  • wooden spoon
  • knife

Historical Context

Leftover transformation is a hallmark of Cajun cooking, born from necessity and refined into an art form. This recipe shows how resourceful Cajun cooks turn yesterday’s gumbo into today’s completely different meal.