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Best Hamburger Recipe (Perfect and Juicy Burger) – Nothing beats a juicy burger topped with fresh veggies on a toasted bun with a slice of cheese smothered with an irresistible burger sauce. These tasty burgers are ready in less than 20 minutes and a must-make for your next cookout or BBQ gathering- no fillers in this recipe. Grill and stovetop method included.
Serve with potato salad, polenta fries, or your favorite french fry variety.
The Best Hamburger Pattie Recipe
Your new favorite Hamburger Recipe! This recipe creates the best results for the perfect restaurant-style burger with the juiciest patty every single time. My dad makes the BEST burgers and this recipe is inspired by his recipe that we’ve enjoyed countless times over the year. I know you will love these perfectly juicy burgers too!
You’ll also love our grilled chicken sandwich and Greek orzo pasta salad.
Table of Contents
- The Best Hamburger Pattie Recipe
- Simple Ingredients for Homemade Burgers
- How to Make the Perfect Burger Every Time
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storing and Freezing Burger Patties
- Top Tips for the Best Burgers
- FAQs
- More Recipes
- What to Serve with Hamburgers
- BEST Hamburger Recipe Ever (Perfect Juicy Burger!)
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Burgers
This is the only way we eat burgers in our house! Only a few simple ingredients and you’ll have great burgers with fresh ingredients.
Burger Patties (without egg or bread crumbs)
- Ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). You can use lean ground beef if you prefer, but the high fat content creates the juiciest burger. You can also grind your own meat!
- Worcester sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Favorite Toppings:
- 4 brioche burger buns (or hamburger buns of choice)
- 4 slices medium cheddar cheese (thickly sliced)
- 1 large tomato, sliced into 8 rings
- 8 leaves of green leaf lettuce
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- Additional ideas: blue cheese spread, caramelized onions, or sauteed mushrooms
- see variations for more burger variety ideas
Best Burger Sauce:
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: Mustard
- Optional: Dill pickle relish
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make the Perfect Burger Every Time
Thick or thin, this is the best and easiest burger patty recipe for the perfect homemade hamburger! A simple burger recipe you will make time and time again. See the recipe card at the bottom for full details.
How to Make Hamburger Patties
Mix all the ingredients and shape into patties.
Creating a small hole makes it so the burger doesn’t puff up in the middle.
Grill on both sides.
Add cheese at the end!
Best Burger Sauce
Make the secret sauce in a bowl. So easy!
How to Assemble the Burgers
Assemble the burger the way that you like. here is how we layer it.
I’m a firm believer that the perfect hamburger is homemade! With little effort and good ingredients, this recipe makes the best homemade burgers. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Meat Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: You can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, pork, lamb, or a plant-based alternative like black bean patties, mushroom patties, or veggie burgers.
- Cheese Substitutions:
- Cheddar Cheese: Substitute with Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack, or provolone.
- Blue Cheese: Replace with feta, gorgonzola, or goat cheese.
- Bun Substitutions:
- Regular Burger Buns: Use whole wheat buns, brioche buns, pretzel buns, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Sauce Substitutions:
- Ketchup: Try barbecue sauce, aioli, or hot sauce for a different flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
- Mustard: Use Dijon, honey mustard, or whole grain mustard for a twist.
Variations
- Classic Cheeseburger:
- Follow the basic burger recipe, but add a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, American, Swiss) during the last minute of cooking.
- Bacon Avocado Burger:
- Cook crispy bacon and add it to your burger along with slices of ripe avocado. You can also include lettuce, tomato, and a creamy garlic aioli.
- Mushroom Swiss Burger:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and onions until tender. Top your burger with Swiss cheese and the sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist.
- BBQ Bacon Burger:
- Grill or cook your burger patty, add crispy bacon, and slather on your favorite barbecue sauce. Top it off with onion rings for an extra crunch.
- Caprese Burger:
- Top your burger with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet twist.
- Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Burger:
- Sauté thinly sliced onions until caramelized and top your burger with blue cheese crumbles and the caramelized onions. A balsamic reduction can add extra flavor.
Equipment
- Burger press (optional)
Storing and Freezing Burger Patties
Storing burger patties properly is essential to maintain their freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Here are some guidelines on how to store burger patties:
- Refrigerate:
- If you’ve already formed the burger patties and don’t plan to cook them immediately, store them in the refrigerator.
- Place the patties on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
- Cover the patties with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out and absorbing odors from the fridge.
- Ideally, use the patties within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing:
- If you want to store burger patties longer, consider freezing them.
- Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, place parchment paper between each patty and stack them.
- Put the wrapped patties in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date.
- Frozen burger patties can last for 1-2 months.
- Thawing:
- When you’re ready to cook the frozen patties, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. Do not to cook the patties during this process.
- Cooking from Frozen:
- While thawing is recommended for the best results, you can cook frozen burger patties directly on the grill or stove. Increase the cooking time and monitor the internal temperature to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
Top Tips for the Best Burgers
Achieving the best burger results involves a combination of techniques and ingredient choices. Here are some top tips for creating the BEST burgers:
- Quality Meat:
- Start with high-quality ground meat. For a juicy burger, aim for an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio. The fat adds flavor and moisture to the patty.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat:
- Handle the meat gently when forming patties. Overworking the meat can lead to a dense and tough burger. Form the patties loosely for a tender texture.
- Season Liberally:
- Season the meat generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite spice blend for extra flavor.
- Make an Indentation:
- Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty before cooking. This helps the burger cook more evenly, preventing it from puffing up in the middle.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface:
- Ensure your grill, skillet, or griddle is thoroughly preheated before cooking. This helps to sear the outside of the burger, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust.
- Avoid Pressing the Patties:
- Resist the urge to press down on the patties with a spatula while cooking. This squeezes out juices and can result in a drier burger.
- Cook to the Right Temperature:
- Use a meat thermometer to cook your burgers to the desired internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 140-145°F (60-63°C); for medium-well, 150-155°F (66-68°C).
FAQs
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 140-145°F (60-63°C); for medium-well, 150-155°F (66-68°C).
Potato Buns: Soft and flavorful, making them an excellent choice for juicy burgers. Why Choose: Their tenderness contrasts the burger’s texture, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Pub-Style Buns: Soft, tall, and reminiscent of restaurant-style buns.
Why Choose: The height of these buns allows for substantial toppings, and their softness complements various burger styles.
Classic Sesame Seed Buns: Inexpensive and timeless, a staple for traditional burgers. Why Choose: Their versatility and affordability make them a go-to choice, offering a familiar taste that pairs well with a range of burger variations.
Brioche Buns: Sweeter flavor and rich texture.
Why Choose: Ideal for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their burgers, providing a gourmet feel to your homemade creation.
Pretzel Buns: Denser texture with the least likelihood of becoming mushy.
Why Choose: Their sturdiness makes them a great option for heartier burgers and those who prefer a denser bun.
Consider mixing finely chopped onions, garlic, or shallots into the ground meat for added depth and savory notes.
For a burst of freshness, finely diced herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives contribute vibrant flavors to the patties.
Additionally, Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can be added for umami richness, while a touch of Dijon mustard offers a subtle tang.
Experimenting with different spices, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or onion powder, can also enhance the overall taste profile.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
What to Serve with Hamburgers
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BEST Hamburger Recipe Ever (Perfect Juicy Burger!)
Best Hamburger Recipe (Perfect and Juicy Burger) – Nothing beats a juicy burger topped with fresh veggies on a toasted bun with a slice of cheese smothered with an irresistible burger sauce. These tasty burgers are ready in less than 20 minutes and a must-make for your next cookout or BBQ gathering—no fillers or binders in this recipe. You can easily double or triple this recipe.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Burger
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Burger Sauce
- 1/3 cup of ketchup
- 2/3 cup of mayonnaise
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of mustard
- Optional: 1/4 cup of dill relish
Burger Toppings
- 4 brioche burger buns (or buns of choice)
- 4 slices medium cheddar cheese (thick sliced)
- 1 large tomato, sliced into 8 rings
- 8 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- Additional ideas: blue cheese spread, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms,
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. See notes for the stovetop method.
- Make the burger sauce by combining all the desired ingredients in a small bowl and mixing until well combined. Test flavor and adjust to preference.
-
Add the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix by hand until the meat mixture is smooth.
- Divide the ground beef mixture into 4 parts in the bowl.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper, or aluminum foil. One at a time, form patties with your hands (or a burger press)—about 1/2- 1″ thick (depending on your preference for a thick or thin burger) and a little wider than the burger buns.
- Place patties on the baking sheet. Use a spoon, or your thumb, to press a dent in the center of each burger patty (this prevents a puffy center as they cook). Add a little more salt and pepper to both sides.
- Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for about 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time for your desired doneness. Flip burgers when juices start to gather on top of the burger and you have a good sear. Avoid flipping multiple times.
- Optional: Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- Toast the burger buns on the grill for a minute or two until they are lightly browned.
- Assemble with burger sauce and desired toppings and enjoy your perfect juicy hamburgers!
Notes
Stove Top Hamburgers:
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Prepare burger patties as directed above.
- Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a more well-done burger.
- Optional: Add cheese slices on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid to melt the cheese. Toast the burger buns in the pan for a minute or two, until they are lightly browned.
- Assemble your burgers with any classic burger toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: American
- Cuisine: American
