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Why I Love This Grilled Burger Recipe
A really good burger doesn’t need to be overly complicated. With the right ground beef, a few ingredients already in your kitchen, and a hot grill, these burgers turn out juicy, flavorful, and ready for any and all of the toppings you love.
A great grilled burger should first and foremost taste like beef, and that’s exactly what this recipe does. Instead of adding lots of fillers and seasonings to the meat, the ingredient list is kept simple so the beef can shine through. The garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper give each bite a classic burger flavor without taking over.
I also love that these burgers are practical. The patties can easily be shaped ahead of time and kept in the fridge until it’s time to grill, which makes them perfect for hosting. When it’s time to party, I’d much rather be enjoying the conversation than preparing a complicated meat mixture. These burgers keep things simple in the best way.
Here’s why you’ll love them, too:
- Simple ingredients make the beef flavor the focus.
- The fat content keeps the burgers juicy.
- A center indent helps the patties cook evenly without puffing up.
- Make-ahead patties make this recipe easy for any meal.
Grilled Burger Ingredients
The best part of this recipe is that it only has 5 ingredients!
- Ground beef – Look for 80-85% lean ground beef; this blend has enough fat to keep the burgers juicy while still holding together well on the grill. Fat also carries flavor and will result in a better-tasting burger.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – Two powders that add classic savory flavor that blends evenly into the meat.
- Kosher salt and black pepper – Season the beef all the way through and bring out its natural flavor.
- Neutral oil – Used to grease the grill grates so the burger patties release easily.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make This Grilled Burger Recipe
It only takes 3 easy steps to make these burgers:
Step 1: Mix the beef – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shape the patties – Divide the beef mixture into 8 portions. Form each portion into a ball, then press into a patty, and make a ½-inch indent in the center of each. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until ready to grill. The patties can be made several hours in advance.
Step 3: Grill the burgers – Heat the grill on high for 10-15 minutes. Once hot, oil the grates with neutral oil, place the patties on the grill, and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the patties and your preferred doneness. Flip the burgers once while cooking. For food safety, the USDA recommends that ground beef reach an internal temperature of 160°F in the center when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Remove the burgers from the grill and serve right away.
Bonus Tip
Indoor Grill Pan Instructions
If an outdoor gas grill is not available, you can use an indoor grill pan. The process is relatively similar:
Preheat the pan over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Lightly oil the pan with neutral oil, then add the burger patties in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until the burgers reach 160°F in the center. Set the cooked burgers aside and continue cooking until all patties are done.
Recipe Tips
- Use the right beef – Ground beef that’s 80-85% lean has enough fat to keep the burgers juicy without making them greasy.
- Don’t overmix – The more the beef is worked, the tougher the burgers can become. Mix just until the seasonings are evenly combined.
- Make the center indent – Pressing a small indent into the center of each patty helps the burger cook into an even shape instead of puffing up on the grill.
- Start with a hot grill – A fully preheated grill helps the burgers sear and release cleanly from the grates. Let the patties cook undisturbed before flipping. This helps develop better color and keeps the burgers from falling apart.
- Check the temperature – An instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to know when the burgers are fully cooked.
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
Serving – These burgers are best right from the grill on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. For a classic summer spread, set out lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (you could do dill or bread and butter), cheese, and burger sauce, and let everyone build their own.
These burgers are great when paired with potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, sweet corn, or panzanella salad.
Refrigerate – Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze – Freeze cooked patties in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each patty for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze pre-formed uncooked patties in a freezer-safe container and pull them out to thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Reheat – Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, in a 350°F oven, or in the microwave until warmed through. Just make sure to avoid overheating, which can dry out the burgers.
More Summer Recipes
Need more burger ideas? Try these: chicken burgers, turkey burgers, pork burgers, and even salmon burgers!
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
The Best Grilled Burger
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- neutral oil to grease grill
Instructions
- Mix the patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix together, making sure the ingredients are well combined.2 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Form the patties: Form 8 equal balls, depending on the number of burgers desired. Press the balls into patties, about 4 ½ inches wide and ¾-inch thick. Make a ½-inch indent in the center of each patty.
- Cook: Preheat the grill on high for 10-15 minutes. Oil the grates with neutral oil, and place patties on the grates. Let cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on personal internal doneness preference. For food safety purposes, the USDA recommends that burgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F in the center when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Once grilled, remove the burgers from the grill and serve.neutral oil
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Henry Wortock
Made these the other night for dinner, they were a hit. Only thing I added was some roasted garlic seasoning to the mix. Delish! You never steer me wrong…
My go-to burger recipe! Flavor is fantastic and they freeze well to stock up.
Made Kaleb’s Hamburgers and his Cucumber Salad for our first of the year cookout today and it was perfect!
These will be on our menu forever more!
Hi Kaleb:
I plan on making these burgers and the sauce for my son’s birthday.
Would these freeze well if I made them ahead of time?
Thank you.
Sue
Hello! Yes they freeze very well. I form the patties, then freeze so they are easy to handle before packaging in an airtight container.
What did you use to press the burgers after you formed them into a ball?
The very best burgers ever!
Hi Kaleb! I made these burgers last night they were amazing. I love watching your videos because even at 68 I learn something from you.
I have never added the beef bouillon or the 2 Tbsp of oil to my meat before. The whole experience was delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us. I have made quite a few of your recipes.
I truly enjoy your videos and monthly newsletter. I find them both informational and enjoyable.
I made these burgers for Memorial Day and they were delish! I topped them with just smoked pepper jack cheese and in between a whole wheat bun and I was so happy with how they turned out. Very flavorful and well worth making your own patties! Thanks, K