Connecticut Steamed Cheese Burgers

Steamed cheeseburger? Yep. Ted’s restaurant has been serving them since 1959, although some say Jack’s Lunch in Middletown invented it. But at Ted’s, special steam racks were made. While the burger steams, the fats drip out and the meat fills up with steam so it’s still really moist. Then, at Ted’s, the drop 2 full ounces of cheddar and steams it again. It’s served up with all the condiments and some fresh cooked fries.

Sound good? I think so, but it’s one of those things that you either really like it or you really don’t. Give it a try and let me know which side of the steamer you’re on!

Here’s How to Do it:

Mix the ground beef with some dehydrated onions, then form the patties. They should be just slightly bigger than the bun.

Toast the buns and put some mayonnaise or ketchup on the bottom half (I mixed mayo with some mustard and onions).

Put some water in the bottom of a pot and place a steamer basket inside. Lay some onions on the bottom,

then top them with the burgers. Cover the pot and steam for about 5 to 8  ten minutes.

Top each burger with thick slices of cheddar,

cover the pan and steam again for about 30 seconds – long enough for the cheese to melt.

Remove the onion and chop it.

Put it on top of the cheese.

Place a burger on each bun and top with your favorite condiments.

Serve with fries – either frozen or homemade.

5 from 2 votes
Connecticut Steamed Cheeseburger
Steamed cheeseburger? Yep. Ted's restaurant has been serving them since 1959, although some say Jack's Lunch in Middletown invented it. But at Ted's, special steam racks were made. While the burger steams, the fats drip out and the meat fills up with steam so it's still really moist. Then, at Ted's, the drop 2 full ounces of cheddar and steams it again. It's served up with all the condiments and some fresh cooked fries.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, sandwich
Keyword: appetizer, burger, sandwich
Servings: 8 sliders
Author: HelenFern
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 pounds ground chuck
  • 1 teaspoon dehydrated, chopped onions
  • 8 oz sliced sharp cheddar
  • 8 slider buns
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • condiments of choice
Instructions
  1. Mix the ground beef with some dehydrated onions, then form the patties. They should be just slightly bigger than the bun.

  2. Put some water in the bottom of a pot and place a steamer basket inside. Lay some onions on the bottom, then top them with the burgers. Cover the pot and steam for about 5 to 8 ten minutes.

  3. Top each burger with thick slices of cheddar, cover the pan and steam again for about 30 seconds - long enough for the cheese to melt.

  4. Remove the onion and chop it. Put it on top of the cheese.

  5. Place a burger on each bun and top with your favorite condiments.

© Copyright 2019 The Lazy Gastronome

 

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22 Responses to Connecticut Steamed Cheese Burgers

  1. Teresa says:

    I’ve never tried steaming burgers before, but it sounds like a healthier option. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.

  2. I have never tried making steamed burgers, but these look so juicy and delicious! I could use one burger right now. :D Thank you, Helen. Happy Fiesta Friday!

  3. Something else to try, since I’ve just moved FROM Connecticut! Never been to Jack’s Lunch or Ted’s… but this looks like a whole new way of cooking up burgers. I’ll probably sandwich ’em in lettuce wraps (my preferred method of enclosure these days), but, hey! I bet they’re great!

    • HelenFern says:

      They were pretty good. My husband (from Chicago) loves White Castle and they also steam their burgers. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a great week.

  4. 5 stars
    I’ve been craving a good cheeseburger and this looks absolutely perfect! Definitely have to try this!

  5. Rita says:

    5 stars
    Yummy burger, always a favorite in our home.

  6. Sylvia says:

    OH! What a great idea! Steaming might help the dryness of burgers. I will certainly have to try this! Thanks for linking up with us at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 30

  7. Melissa says:

    Now if only you could reveal how Shady Glen does the cheese on their famous cheeseburgers! The best in CT

  8. Pingback: Steamed Hamburger Recipe - Awesome Steamed Cheeseburgers! Recipe - Food.Com

  9. Interesting, never heard of steamed burgers. Thanks so much for linking up at A Themed Linkup 68 for Travel and Vacation.

  10. Sheila says:

    At Ted’s in Meriden CT the cheese is Vermont white cheddar. The roll is a delicious hard roll. At least that’s what it originally was when we grew up there. So good.

    • HelenFern says:

      I’ve never actually been there. My recipe is based on research and info from people who have tried them. I love getting information like this from readers. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and information on the dish!! Have a great week.

  11. Alene says:

    I grew up there and have never heard of them. I even checked with my brother. But I don’t like cheese on my burger so I would have been vocal in my opinion. And, yes, I’m very weird.

  12. Christopher D says:

    Never ever orange cheese on a steamed cheeseburger. Sharp white cheddar is The original. From Wisconsin if possible but Vermont or New York will do.

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