Grilled Beef Patties with Cucumber Pickles and Basil Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy beef patties seasoned with garlic and thyme, served atop fresh lettuce with tangy cucumber pickles and a fragrant basil-infused olive oil. This american-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, garlic, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until salt dissolves. Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber and stir to coat; set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 12 oz ground beef, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp chopped thyme; gently mix with hands until just combined, then form into two 3/4-inch-thick patties with a shallow center indentation.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (375°F) and lightly brush with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place patties on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Step 4: While patties cook, prepare basil oil: combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil in a small bowl; let sit for 5 minutes to infuse.
  5. Step 5: Place each patty on a bed of 4 cups baby greens. Top with 1/2 cup marinated cucumber pickles and drizzle with 1 tbsp basil oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Beef Patties with Cucumber Pickles and Basil Oil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Beef Patties with Cucumber Pickles and Basil Oil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Beef Patties with Cucumber Pickles and Basil Oil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Beef Patties with Cucumber Pickles and Basil Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Beef Patties with Cucumber Pickles and Basil Oil?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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