As a culinary expert with a keen interest in food preparation and the science behind it, I can provide a detailed answer to your question regarding the number of hamburgers one can make from a pound of meat.

When it comes to making hamburgers, the number of patties you can get out of a pound of ground beef largely depends on several factors, including the size of the patties, the fat content of the beef, and the desired thickness of the burgers. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you estimate the quantity.

Firstly, it's important to understand that a standard hamburger patty typically weighs between 1/3 to 1/2 pound. This is the portion size that is commonly used in restaurants and is considered a good balance between satisfying hunger and not being overly indulgent. If you are making patties of this size, you can expect to get approximately four patties from a pound of ground beef.

However, if you are looking to make smaller sliders, which are popular for parties and appetizers, you might be able to get six to eight patties from a pound of meat. These sliders are usually about 1/4 pound each, allowing for a greater number of smaller, bite-sized burgers.

On the other hand, if you are making jumbo burgers for a hearty meal, you might only get two to three patties from a pound of meat. These larger patties can weigh anywhere from 2/3 to 3/4 pound each, providing a substantial meal for those with a big appetite.

The fat content of the beef also plays a role in the yield of patties. Ground beef can range from 70% lean (which is 30% fat) to 90% lean (which is 10% fat). The higher the fat content, the more tender and juicy the burgers will be, but it also means that the patties will be denser and you may get fewer patties from a pound of meat.

Another factor to consider is the thickness of the patties. Thicker patties will naturally yield fewer burgers per pound, while thinner patties will allow you to make more. The thickness can also affect the cooking time and the final texture of the burgers.

When preparing the patties, it's also crucial to handle the meat gently to avoid compacting it too much, as this can lead to dense and dry burgers. Overworking the meat can also cause the burgers to shrink significantly during cooking, which can affect the yield.

To give you a practical example, if you are planning to make 120 burgers and you are using standard-sized patties, you would indeed need approximately 30 pounds of ground beef, assuming four patties per pound. This calculation assumes that each patty is about 1/3 to 1/2 pound.

In conclusion, while the number of hamburgers you can get from a pound of meat can vary based on several factors, a good rule of thumb is to plan for four patties per pound for standard-sized burgers. Adjust this number based on the size of the patties you are aiming for, the fat content of the beef, and your desired thickness and cooking method.

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But if you're making the patties yourself (to save money, or because you love making burgers), you should figure four burgers per pound of meat. So for 120 burgers you'd need 30 pounds of ground beef.Oct 3, 2017read more >>