Mighty Mo Burgers: A Taste of Naval History

My grandfather, a Navy veteran, rarely spoke of his time aboard the USS Missouri, but the twinkle in his eye when he mentioned “galley grub” always told a story. He claimed that the burgers they served were legendary – simple, hearty, and capable of fueling a crew through anything. While he never had the recipe, this version, unearthed from an old Navy cookbook, feels like a direct link to those stories and a taste of the camaraderie he cherished. These “Mighty Mo Burgers” aren’t fancy, but they are packed with flavor and history.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Servings: 25
• Yields: Approximately 2-3 patties per serving
• Dietary Type: Not specified; contains meat and dairy

Ingredients

• 8 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup chili sauce
• ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 ½ tablespoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
• 6 teaspoons all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 ½ cups hot water

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently blend together the ground beef, evaporated milk, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing; a light hand will keep the burgers tender.
2. Shape the mixture into approximately 75-ish patties, each weighing about 3 oz. This ensures even cooking and portion control, especially when feeding a large crew!
3. Place the patties on baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through and no longer pink inside. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patties and your oven’s calibration.
5. While the burgers are baking, reserve the drippings from the baking sheets. These flavorful drippings will form the base of our gravy.
6. In a saucepan, stir the sifted flour into the reserved drippings. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Ensure there are no lumps before proceeding.
7. Gradually add the hot water to the flour and drippings mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. You should have about 3 cups of gravy.
8. Cook the gravy over medium heat for about 5 minutes after it has thickened, stirring frequently. This ensures the flour is fully cooked and the gravy is smooth and flavorful.
9. Serve each burger patty with approximately 1 tablespoon of the gravy spooned over the top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overmix the beef: Overmixing develops the gluten in the beef, leading to tough burgers. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use a thermometer: The best way to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
• Make ahead: The burger mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on the day of cooking.
• Gravy variations: For a richer gravy, use beef broth instead of water. You can also add a splash of red wine or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
• Freezing: Cooked burgers can be frozen for later use. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop.
• Bun suggestions: While the recipe doesn’t call for buns, serving these on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite toppings is highly recommended.
• Consider adding some onion powder or garlic powder to the meat mixture for more flavor.
• For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of yellow mustard to the meat mixture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Mighty Mo Burgers hot off the baking sheet, drizzled with the homemade gravy. They are excellent on their own, but are even better served on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

Leftover burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the gravy separately. Reheat the burgers in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. The gravy can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

These burgers are not recommended to be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the meat and dairy content. Freezing, as mentioned in the Expert Tips section, is a great option for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	363 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	215 g	59%
Total Fat	23.9 g	36%
Saturated Fat	9.5 g	47%
Cholesterol	107.8 mg	35%
Sodium	1010.6 mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	4.8 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	1.7 g	6%
Protein	29.7 g	59%

Variations & Substitutions

• Turkey Burgers: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the burger mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: While not the original “Mighty Mo,” you could try adapting the gravy recipe to serve over vegetarian patties. Use vegetable broth instead of beef drippings and consider adding mushrooms for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Gravy: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk alternative, though be aware it will alter the flavor slightly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a blend of different ground meats. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the fat content of the meat.

Q: Can I grill these burgers instead of baking them?
A: Yes, you can grill these burgers. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through.

Q: What can I do if my gravy is too thin?
A: If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by making a slurry of cornstarch and cold water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons water) and whisking it into the gravy. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.

Q: Can I add onions or other vegetables to the burger mixture?
A: Yes, you can add finely chopped onions, peppers, or other vegetables to the burger mixture. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly and don’t interfere with the texture of the burgers.

Q: How can I prevent the burgers from drying out during cooking?
A: Adding the evaporated milk helps to keep the burgers moist. Also, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature without drying out.

Final Thoughts

These Mighty Mo Burgers are more than just a meal; they’re a taste of history and a connection to the brave men and women who served our country. While the recipe is simple, the flavors are robust and satisfying. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience a small part of naval tradition. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. Serve with a side of fries and a cold drink, and enjoy!