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Perfect Grilled Burger Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect grilled burger recipe with juicy beef patties and simple seasonings.
These homemade burgers are flavorful, tender, and easy to grill.
Perfect for cookouts, family dinners, and summer BBQs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

Burger Patties

  • 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef or ground chuck
  • 1 slice white or wheat bread torn into small pieces
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

For Serving

  • Hamburger buns or brioche buns
  • Butter for toasting buns
  • Cheese slices optional
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Onion slices
  • Pickles
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

  • Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium or medium-high heat, around 375°F–400°F.

Step 2: Make the Panade

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Bread pieces
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Mash together with a fork until a soft paste forms.

Step 3: Mix the Beef

  • Add the ground beef to the bowl. Gently mix the beef with the panade using clean hands or a fork.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.

Step 4: Form the Patties

  • Divide the mixture into:
  • 5 large patties (⅓ lb each), or
  • 6 smaller patties (¼ lb each)
  • Shape patties slightly larger than the buns since they shrink while grilling.
  • Press a shallow indentation into the center of each burger using your thumb or spoon.

Step 5: Grill the Burgers

  • Place the burger patties over direct heat on clean grill grates.
  • Cook:
  • First side: 3–4 minutes
  • Flip and cook second side: 3–4 minutes
  • Use an instant-read thermometer for doneness:
  • Medium: 140°F–145°F
  • Medium Well: 150°F–155°F
  • Well Done: 160°F–165°F

Step 6: Add Cheese

  • If using cheese, move burgers to indirect heat and place cheese slices on top. Close the grill lid for 1 minute until melted.

Step 7: Rest the Burgers

  • Remove burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Toast the Buns

  • Butter the buns lightly and toast cut-side down over indirect heat for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Step 9: Assemble

  • Layer lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on the bun. Add the grilled burger and finish with your favorite sauces.

Notes

  • Ground chuck provides excellent flavor and texture.
  • Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for gourmet burgers.
  • For spicy burgers, add jalapeños or chipotle mayo.
  • Serve with fries, coleslaw, grilled corn, or potato salad.