Burger Recipes: How to Make the Best Burgers EVER (2024)

It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining, the grass is growing, and the temperature is heating up. With the beginning of Spring, it also means that burger season is just around the corner. Grilling burgers can be really intimidating, especially if you’re a newbie. Do them wrong, and they can come out like bricks of coal or burgers of beef mush. I’ve had both issues in the past. So, how do you make the best burgers EVER? Here are a few things you need to know about crafting the best burger recipes.

Best Burger Tip 01: Tools

First off, you absolutely can cook your burgers on the stove. Sometimes it’s a pain to get the BBQ going before my husband gets home, so there are plenty of times that I have made juicy burgers right on my stove top in a cast iron pan.Or, you can open up the good old George Foreman Grill and grill it up! I really do like both methods if I’m not using our BBQ.

Recently we invested in a smoker and man has it been life-changing! The smoker adds so much flavor and retains the moisture so your burgers come out perfect every time. All it takes is a little planning and you too can be the master of the smoker.

Best Burger Tip 02: Ratio and Size

When it comes to the leanness of the beef, use an 80/20 ratio. The extra fat ensures a juicier burger and helps it hold its shape better. Next, make a thumbprint in the middle of the burger before placing it on the grill. This seems odd, but it keeps the burger from inflating in the middle and ends up giving you the perfect shaped burger. Sort of like poking a pie crust before you bake it.

Best Burger Tip 03: Flavor

There are a lot of theories and preferences when it comes to seasoning beef for the perfect burger. Bobby Flay argues that you should season the meat with just salt and pepper. My family is a big fan of garlic salt and onion powder. My mom prefers adding in some bleu cheese crumbles. The moral of this story is to play around with your seasonings and do what you like!

Best Burger Tip 04: Cookin’ it Up!

When it comes to cooking your burgers, there are a few essential elements. Make sure to use canola oil, cast iron, and high heat if you’re cooking inside. Like I said, if you don’t have a smoker or BBQ ready, just turn up the heat on the stove! Use canola oil for all burger recipes because of its neutral flavor. High heat will help seal in the flavor and keep the burgers moist.

Then, only flip your burger once! Wait about three minutes before flipping. At this point, the burger should have formed enough of a crust that it won’t fall apart upon flipping. Then wait another 3-4 minutes until it’s reached your preferred doneness. If you flip your burger more than once, you risk breaking them open and losing all the awesome juices.

Last, make sure to cook them the right amount of time! Pregnant women, nursing women, or immune-compromised people should eat their burgers well done (about eleven minutes total), but other than that, it’s your preference. If you like it rare and mooing, then take them out at about five minutes. If you prefer them medium-medium well, you’re looking at approximately 8-9 minutes. Check for an internal temp between 145-160 degrees.

Best Burger Tip 05: Toppings

Cheese! Cheese is a must. Traditionally American or Cheddar are classics. I’m a fan of adding in bacon and gorgonzola cheese. Play with the flavors to create your best-seasoned burger. Make sure to add some water to your skillet to melt the cheese. If you’re using a cast-iron pan, go ahead and add a few drops of water before putting the lid on. The steam from the water will cause the cheese to melt evenly and become that perfect gooey mess.

Toppings can make or break your burger. Put too many on, and you’ll lose the meat. Too few and it can taste a little too much like a cow sandwich. Try adding some potato chips for a pleasant and salty crunch, along with some onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Best Burger 06: We got buns, hun!

Use the right bun for your burger. If you’ve got a big, beefy burger, it’s best to use a softer bun. Something that will mold the contents preferably. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try making your own hamburger buns or using a pretzel bun instead. Try toasting it before serving it up to take your burger recipe to the next level.

I hope that these tips help you keep your burgers healthy (when needed) and delicious (always). Do you have a favorite burger or bun recipe? Share them in the comments below. Happy Grilling!

Tips via TodayShow