Searching for the best grilled burger recipe? Get the juiciest results and big flavor with our easy go-to recipe and foolproof steps. Even beginners can master this one!
Ellen’s Notes
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m the self-proclaimed burger queen. You can ask any of my family members – they’ll all agree that I know good burgers and will order one just about anywhere. You can definitely judge how good a restaurant is based off how good their cheeseburgers are!
After lots of tasty trials and errors, I’ve finally landed on what I really believe is the very best grilled burger recipe. It’s the very definition of tried and true! I’ve been perfecting this recipe for a few years before I deemed it worthy of being published on here. So let’s dig in on what it really takes to grill the best burger!
Key Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Ground Beef: For the most cost effective choice, use ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio. It’s great for burgers because the fat content helps keep the burger patties juicier. Some premium blends, like ground chuck mixed with brisket, sirloin, or short rib, add even more richness.
- Egg: This is going to help bind the patties together so they hold their shape. Also, the egg yolk in particular adds a richness to the flavor profile that’s really satisfying!
- Burger Seasoning: We like to use our burger seasoning recipe for the very best flavor. It adds a depth to the patties without totally overpowering the meat. That way, you can still play around with a wide variety of toppings. However you can use store bought or even steak seasoning if you prefer!
Tips For How To Grill A Burger
Want to grill a burger that you can really brag about? Below are a few helpful tips to ensure the best juicy burgers. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full instructions!
Let your ground beef sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps it to warm up to room temperature so it cooks more evenly.
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Gently mix together the meat with the egg and seasonings. Overworking the beef can lead to dense, tough patties that don’t stay juicy.
Press a small indent in the center of each patty before grilling. This keeps the burgers from puffing up and helps them cook more evenly all the way through.
Add your burger seasoning on the outside of the patties. While I season the meat itself with a few other seasonings, I save the burger seasoning for fully coating the outside of the meat. It makes a big difference to the final taste!
Start with a hot grill! Make sure your grill is preheated to 400°F and the grates are clean and oiled. This gives you that delicious sear and keeps the burgers from sticking.
Once you’ve got a good sear, move the burgers off the direct flame and watch for hot spots. I like to start with the lid open with the burgers over the open flame. Once seared, I move them off the direct flame and close the lid. Checking often to make sure there are no big flames, just heat. This keeps them from drying out or burning.
No pressing down on the patties as they cook! As tempting as it might be, don’t press down on the burgers with your spatula. Pressing squeezes out all those tasty juices, leaving you with a dry patty.
Add cheese once the burgers are fully cooked. Turn off the heat and close the grill lid for 30 seconds to melt the cheese easily!
After cooking, let your burgers rest for 5 to 10 minutes, wrapped in foil. This locks in all the juices so they don’t run out when you take that first bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve found that it’s a combination of three things! First, use ground chuck or a premium ground beef blend with a higher fat content. Second, do NOT press down on the patties when you’re cooking them. Third, make sure to let them rest (wrapped in foil) after cooking.
To take the guesswork out, use an instant read meat thermometer. Aim for 150°F for medium-well burgers, or 140–145°F for medium. It’s the best way to ensure juicy results!
Absolutely! Pop the buns on the cooler side of the grill during the last couple of minutes. A toasted bun adds a little texture and will also help keep your burger from getting soggy.
Grilled burgers are always best fresh off the grill. However, you can definitely prep the patties ahead of time and let them chill in the fridge until you’re ready to cook! For best results, remember to let the patties rest on the counter for 20 minutes before cooking.
Add all your favorite toppings, I always like mine with In-N-Out sauce. For sides, you can’t go wrong with the classics: fries (like these air fryer sweet potato wedges) or chips! When feeding a crowd, I always make a batch of my crockpot baked beans and red potato salad.
Best Grilled Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chuck beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon burger seasoning
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Instructions
- Set ground beef on the counter for 20 minutes before you are ready to cook to allow it to warm up and come to room temperature. This helps with even cooking!
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt and black pepper.
- Quarter the meat into 4 equal sections. Pat the meat into a ball, lay the meat on a flat surface, and use the palm of your hand to flatten the ball into a disk. To keep the hamburgers from puffing up, use a measuring spoon or your thumb to press an indent in the middle of each burger. Season all sides of the patties with the burger seasoning.
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to 400°F. Make sure your grates are clean. Rub the grates with oil (or use cooking spray) so meat does not stick. You want a high heat at first so you get a nice sear.
- Place the patties on the grill, leaving room between them. Do not press down on the burgers – that can lead to dryness! Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- Then move the patties so they are not over a direct flame and cook them for about 2 minutes more, until desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to make sure to cook to 150°F, medium well done. (140°-145°F medium). To toast the buns, add them to the cooler side of the grill a couple of minutes before the burgers are ready.
- If adding cheese: Once the burgers are done, turn off the heat and place cheese on top. Close the lid for 30 seconds to let the cheese melt. Remove patties immediately from the grill.
- Carefully wrap burger patties in foil and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve on a toasted bun with all of your favorite toppings!
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Nutrition
More Easy Burger Recipes To Try
- Rainy day? Stay indoors and make the best air fryer burgers or make smash burger tacos!
- Cheeseburger casserole is a downright delicious with crispy tater tots, ground beef, lots of cheese and all the toppings!
- Combine all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a hearty bacon cheeseburger soup.
- Hamburger steak and gravy delivers hearty comfort without a ton of effort!
