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This is the best hamburger recipe for grilling up a juicy American classic!
The Best Burger recipe!
Grilling hamburgers is a classic American summer tradition. It’s an especially popular dinner during patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, or for sporting events or parties AND countless Merkley gatherings.
Along with Hot Dogs, we make burgers ALL year long and are so glad we finally perfected our Homemade Hamburger recipe. Not only is it extremely flavorful and delicious, but it’s always easy and quick to make.
Why we love it:
- A classic. Pair this favorite grilled dinner with classic BBQ side dishes like Fried Zucchini, Easy Coleslaw, or Homemade Potato Salad.
- Perfect every time. We’ve included plenty of tips and step-by-step directions for juicy burgers every time!
- Pile it high. Top burgers with your favorite sauces and toppings like Chipotle Ranch or Chick Fil A Sauce.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
- 1½ pounds ground beef – 80/20% fat; or ground chuck. A little fat makes the most flavorful juicy patties. For a rare cook use leaner ground beef. For a well-done burger, use ground beef with a higher fat content so it doesn’t dry out.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- 4 brioche buns, toasted – Brioche or potato buns are a family favorite for hamburgers, but any type will work. Be sure the hamburger buns match the size of the burger patties.
- optional toppings – lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, onions, bacon and avocado
- optional condiments – mayo, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or relish
How to Make Hamburger Patties
- PREP. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or 375°F.
- MIX. In a large bowl, combine 1½ pounds beef, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1½ teaspoon minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined (do not overmix).
- FORM PATTIES. Divide this mixture into fourths and shape into patties using your hands. The patties should be about ¾ inch thick.
- Use the back of a spoon to make an indent in the middle of each patty to keep it from puffing up too much in the middle while cooking. Sprinkle patties with seasoning salt.
- GRILL. Add burgers to the grill and cook for 3-3 ½ minutes per side for a medium burger. Internal temperature should be about 140°F.
- SERVE. Place on a toasted bun and top with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Cook in a Skillet on the Stove
Cast iron skillets work best for burgers, but any frying pan will do.
- Preheat the pan over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add 2-3 patties to the pan and do not overcrowd.
- The hot skillet will create a nice sear on the outside while allowing you to cook the patties to the desired internal temperature. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for a medium cook.
- If the outside burns before you reach the right internal temperature, turn down the heat of the burner.
Complete the Meal
- SIDE DISHES: Homemade Potato Salad, Baked Beans Recipe, Fruit Salad, Homemade French Fries
- DESSERTS: Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Peach Dump Cake, Angel Food Ice Cream Cake
- More burger recipes: Ranch Burgers, Turkey Burger Recipe, Teriyaki Chicken Burgers
More collections: Grilled Dinner Ideas, Beef Dinner Ideas, Quick Dinner Ideas
Best Hamburger Recipe
This is the best hamburger recipe for grilling up a juicy American classic. You'll have a perfect burger every time!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef, 80% lean/20% fat; or ground chuck
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
Toppings
- lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, onions, bacon and avocado, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined (do not overmix).
- Divide mixture into fourths and shape into patties using your hands. The patties should be about ¾ inch thick.
- Use the back of a spoon to make an indent in the middle of each patty to keep it from puffing up too much in the middle while cooking. Sprinkle patties with seasoned salt.
- Add burgers to the grill and cook for 3–3 ½ minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches about 140°F (for a medium cook).
- Place on a toasted bun and top with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Video
Notes
Doneness guide: Measuring the internal temperature is the best way to gauge your burger’s doneness. Cook to:
- 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare (pink and warm)
- 140°F (60°C) for medium (totally pink, starting to dry out)
- 150°F (66°C) for medium-well (grayish-pink, significantly drier)
Nutrition
Serving: 1burger, Calories: 798kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 39g, Fat: 53g, Saturated Fat: 24g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 264mg, Sodium: 1425mg, Potassium: 501mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin A: 725IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 87mg, Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Recipe FAQ
How do I toast hamburger buns?
- Spread ½ tablespoon of butter on the inside of each bun.
- Sprinkle on a little garlic salt for extra flavor.
- Heat a skillet on the stove and place the buns, butter side down, on the skillet.
- Toast them for 30-60 seconds, or until golden brown.
- Alternatively, place the buns on a baking sheet with the butter side facing up. Broil the buns until lightly golden and toasted, about 1 minute.
How do I know when the hamburgers are done?
- Use a meat thermometer for an accurate internal temperature of :
- 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare (pink and warm)
- 140°F (60°C) for medium (totally pink, starting to dry out)
- 150°F (66°C) for medium-well (grayish-pink, significantly drier)
Can I make hamburgers ahead of time?
- Form the hamburger patties and keep them covered in the fridge for 1-2 days or freeze them for up to 4 months. Separate each patty with wax paper, or place each patty in a fold-top sandwich bag so they don’t stick together.
How do I keep cooked hamburgers warm?
- If you have access to an oven, turn it to 200°F. As the burgers finish cooking, place them on a tray in the oven and cover with foil. Or place an aluminum tray over indirect heat in the grill. Place the cooked burger in the tray and cover with foil.
How to store leftover hamburgers?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
I’ve almost given up on making good burgers, but this recipe is tasty and very easy to make. I make my burgers a bit smaller because it’s too much otherwise, but it makes for extras for a lunch or two at home. And my husband loves the garlic in his burger, so it’s a hit with him. Thanks for putting this on the site and internet.
This recipe made wonderfully juicy and tasty hamburgers. The brioche buns, toasted of course, are a must! Thank you for another healthy and delicious way to feed my family.
Was very good and easy to make! Will be making again.
Simple ingredients that make a fantastic burger!
This recipe really upped by normally bland burgers. My husband was very impressed!
We love hamburgers! I especially like forming my own. The recipe makes great hamburgers.
We loved this classic, easy butger recipe. It got rave reviews all around!
This truly hit the spot, it was absolutely delicious.
So simple, but so tasty! We loved the savory depth of flavor from the worcestershire sauce!
Sometimes, I just crave a good, juicy burger & this is it!! We love grilling & this is a go-to recipe of ours!