Best Grilled Hamburgers Recipe

This classic grilled hamburger recipe delivers juicy, flavorful burgers that will make your backyard barbecues legendary. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have restaurant-quality burgers sizzling on your grill in minutes. The secret lies in the perfect blend of seasonings and proper grilling technique that guarantees mouthwatering results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Juicy: The 80/20 ground beef keeps these burgers moist and flavorful, never dry.
• Quick to Make: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Use this foolproof base recipe, then make it your own with your favorite toppings and condiments.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will devour these burgers – they’re that good!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect fat-to-meat ratio that keeps burgers juicy and flavorful. The fat is crucial for that signature burger taste.
• Onion: Grated onion practically melts into the meat, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire burger.
• Garlic Powder: Provides that savory depth without the harsh bite of fresh garlic, distributing evenly throughout the meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural beef flavor without overpowering it.
• Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient that adds umami, depth, and a slight tanginess to your burgers.
• Hamburger Rolls: Choose quality rolls that can stand up to juicy patties without falling apart.

Variations

Classic Cheeseburger

Add a slice of American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese during the last minute of grilling until melted.

Southwest Burger

Mix in 1 teaspoon of chili powder and ½ teaspoon of cumin to the meat mixture, then top with pepper jack cheese and avocado slices.

Mushroom Swiss

Top your burger with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese for an earthy, rich flavor combination.

Bacon Lover’s Burger

Mix 2 tablespoons of cooked, crumbled bacon into the meat mixture and top the finished burger with additional crispy bacon strips.

How to Make the Best Grilled Hamburgers

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – overmixing will make your burgers tough! Form into 3 uniform patties, making them slightly larger than your buns as they’ll shrink during cooking. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a slight indentation, which prevents the burgers from puffing up during grilling.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Clean the grates well and oil them lightly to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for those beautiful grill marks and easy flipping.

Step 3: Grill the Burgers

Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side. Resist the urge to press down on the burgers with your spatula – this squeezes out the precious juices! Flip once and cook for another 5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for medium doneness.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

During the last few minutes of cooking, place your hamburger buns cut-side down on the warming rack of your grill for a light toasting. This adds texture and helps prevent soggy buns.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Place each patty on a toasted bun and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix ingredients just until combined – overworking makes tough burgers.
• The Thumb Trick: Always make that indentation in the center of each patty to prevent burger doming.
• Flip Only Once: Resist the temptation to repeatedly flip the burgers. One flip is all you need.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your burgers are perfectly cooked (160°F for safe consumption).
• Let Them Rest: Give the burgers a minute to rest after grilling so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
• Season the Outside: For an extra flavor boost, lightly season the outside of the patties with salt just before grilling.

How to Serve

Classic Burger Bar

Set up a DIY burger bar with various toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, avocado, bacon, and an array of cheeses and condiments.

Perfect Pairings

These burgers are fantastic served with:

• Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries
• Creamy coleslaw
• Grilled corn on the cob
• A simple garden salad
• Baked beans

Beverage Matches

Pair your burger with:

• Cold craft beer
• Chocolate or vanilla milkshake
• Iced tea
• Classic soda

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Place them on a parchment-lined plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to grill. The flavors will actually develop more deeply this way!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the patties separately from the buns and toppings.

Freezing

Raw patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place a square of parchment between each patty, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

Reheating

Reheat cooked burgers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water and covered with a lid, or microwave at 50% power until just heated through. Be careful not to overcook when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef for these burgers?
You can use leaner beef like 90/10, but your burgers won’t be as juicy or flavorful. If you do opt for leaner meat, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or even a little grated butter to the mixture to maintain moisture.

Why do my burgers always shrink and puff up in the middle?
This happens when the meat contracts during cooking. Making that thumbprint indentation in the center of your raw patties prevents this by giving the burger room to expand without puffing up in the middle.

Is it safe to cook burgers to medium-rare?
Unlike whole cuts of beef, ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety. This is because grinding distributes any surface bacteria throughout the meat.

Can I make these burgers in a skillet instead of a grill?
Absolutely! Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add a touch of oil, and cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side. You’ll miss the smoky grill flavor, but they’ll still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

These Best Grilled Hamburgers combine simplicity with perfect technique to create what might just become your new go-to burger recipe. There’s something magical about that first bite into a juicy, perfectly seasoned burger hot off the grill. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or the star of your weekend cookout, these burgers deliver restaurant quality with homemade love. Fire up your grill and give these a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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