Fire up the grill for the ultimate classic hamburger experience! This recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful patty that’s perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. It’s the quintessential backyard barbecue staple, ideal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any time you crave a satisfying, all-American meal. Simple to prepare with just a few key ingredients, this hamburger serves as the perfect canvas for all your favorite toppings, making every bite a memorable one.
Ingredients for the Perfect Burger
- 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles, cheese slices, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
How to Grill the Perfect Hamburger
Follow these simple steps for a flawless, juicy burger every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chuck with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into 3/4-inch-thick patties. Use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up on the grill.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Burgers
Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and close the grill lid to melt it.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Serve
During the last minute of grilling, place the hamburger buns, cut-side down, on the grill to toast them lightly. Assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Your Burger Questions Answered
What is the best type of ground beef for burgers?
An 80/20 ground chuck is ideal for burgers. The 20% fat content ensures the burgers are juicy and flavorful. Leaner ground beef can result in dry, crumbly patties.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F (54-57°C), for medium it should be 140-145°F (60-63°C), and for well-done, it should be 160°F (71°C) or higher.
Should I press down on the burgers while they’re grilling?
No, avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula. This squeezes out the flavorful juices, which can lead to a dry burger. Let them cook undisturbed, flipping only once.
Can I make these burgers on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for the same amount of time as you would on the grill, until they reach your desired doneness.
Pro-Tips for Burger Mastery
- Keep the Meat Cold: Work with cold ground beef right out of the refrigerator. This helps the fat stay solid, resulting in a more tender and juicy burger.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix the seasonings into the ground beef gently and just until combined. Overworking the meat develops gluten and can make the patties tough.
- Let Them Rest: After grilling, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
Grilled Hamburger Recipe
Equipment
- Grill
- large bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Hamburgers
- 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 hamburger buns
For Serving (Optional)
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground chuck, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Do not overmix. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into 3/4-inch-thick patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- Place patties on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. If adding cheese, place it on the patties during the last minute of cooking.
- Lightly toast the buns on the grill during the last minute of cooking. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.