• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Best Beef Recipes logo
  • Home
  • Find A Recipe
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About Best Beef Recipes
  • Follow Us!

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beef Burger Recipes

    How to Cook Burgers

    Published: May 26, 2023 Modified: May 10, 2023 by Isabel Laessig

    Share

    Share
    Pin1
    Tweet
    Email

    Best Beef Recipes is an Amazon Associate. We receive compensation for purchases made through affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Looking to make burgers tonight? This guide for How to Cook Burgers is the perfect place to start! Be it on the grill, in the air fryer or in a pan, my time-tested guide for cooking burgers is perfect for all skill levels.

    wagyu burger sliced in half with tomato slices
    Jump to:
    • Cooking Hamburgers
    • Burger Essentials
    • How to Grill Burgers
    • How to Cook Burgers in the Oven
    • How to Cook Burgers on the Stove
    • How to Cook Burgers in the Air Fryer
    • How to Smoke Burgers
    • Cooking Burgers FAQ
    • Burger Toppings
    • Cooking Beef
    • 📌 Pin it for later!
    • 📋 Recipe
    • How to Cook Burgers
    • 💬 Reviews

    Cooking Hamburgers

    Hamburgers: the American classic! Just about everyone I know who grew up in the USA has warm childhood memories of cooking up burgers on the grill. But just how do you cook a burger to the perfect rarity and crisp?

    The good news is, cooking burgers is easy no matter how you do it! And there are so many great ways. Be it classic burgers on the grill, pan fried burgers, smoked burgers or hamburgers in the air fryer, there's no going wrong!

    This guide is going to assume medium-rare burgers, but for extra specifics on how long to cook burgers to get just the right burger temperature, check out out my guide for How Long to Cook Burgers!

    Lifting half a smoked burger near slices of tomatoes

    Burger Essentials

    No matter what method you use to cook your burgers, go prepared with my burger essentials: homemade burger seasoning, burger sauce, and a guide on How Long to Cook Burgers! And no matter what, don't forget the meat thermometer!

    Our Famous Burger Seasoning
    Our Famous Burger Seasoning is the best burger seasoning for grilling! Mix it up using easy spices from your pantry in just minutes.
    get the recipe
    Burger seasoning in a bowl on a white wood surface
    Burger Sauce
    This incredibly flavorful, easy Burger Sauce is the perfect blend of condiments for an experience that is out-of-this-world delicious!
    get the recipe
    burger sauce in a white dish with sliders behind
    How Long to Cook Burgers
    Never undercook or overcook a burger again with my comprehensive guide on How Long to Cook Burgers, featuring crispy Smash Burgers!
    get the recipe
    two burgers on parchment paper, one cut open to show the pink inner meat

    How to Grill Burgers

    Grilling burgers is a classic for a reason! Grilling infuses the meat with tons of smokey flavor and leaves the outside charred and crispy, while locking in all that juicy goodness of the fat. It's a little more work and requires a grill, but the flavor is unbeatable.

    Cooking Burgers on a Gas Grill

    1. Set the grill to high and let it preheat.
    2. Prepare your burgers by making them into patties, then pressing down on the center to form a shallow bowl shape. This is important! The center should be thinner than the edges.
    3. Season each side of the burgers with burger seasoning to your taste.
    4. Set the burgers directly on the grill bars, and let them cook for 3-4 minutes with the lid down.
    5. Flip the burgers, and cook another 3-4 minutes or until they measure your desired temperature.

    Gas Grill Tips

    • Remember to shape the patties correctly! This is very important for grilled burgers especially. If the center isn't thinner than the edges, it will puff up and become too thick, resulting in uneven cooking and overly dry edges.
    • Don't fear high heat! Gas grills give you great control over the heat, so make use of it. The high heat will ensure a crispy surface and delectable grilling lines!
    • Don't flip, press, or poke the burger any more than necessary. Each unnecessary movement will drain the fats and liquids, resulting in a dry, unsatisfying burger.
    • It's not necessary to cover the grill with a lid, but doing so will give you great temperature control!

    Gas grills give amazing temperature control and are much easier to use, but can sacrifice smoky flavor. Take this into account when deciding how to cook burgers!

    Cooking Burgers on a Charcoal Grill

    1. Pile up charcoal in a pyramid on the bottom of the grill. High heat is the goal, so add charcoal liberally!
    2. Add charcoal starter fluid, then light and let the charcoal burn for about 10 minutes, until the coals are starting to turn grey and ashy.
    3. Form the patties shortly before cooking so they stay cold. Create a shallow impression in the middle of each patty so that the center is thinner than the edges- this is critical!
    4. Season each side of the patties, then plate them on the grill and let rest without touching them for 3-4 minutes.
    5. Flip the burgers, and let cook another 3-4 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer for the ideal temperature, then remove, and serve!

    Charcoal Grill Tips

    • Make sure to use plenty of charcoal! You want it nice and hot for burgers.
    • If you have a grill with a lid, closing the lid while the burgers cook can cook them more quickly.
    • Moving all the charcoal to one side of the grill while leaving the other side bare can create hot and cool zones. That way, you can move finished burgers to the cool zone while the rest cook, keeping them warm until it's time to eat!
    • Make sure the meat stays cool while the grill is heating, and only form the patties when the coals are hot! This will make sure the beef doesn't fall apart on the grill.

    Charcoal grills are a little harder to use and less precise than gas grills, but cooking over charcoal infuses the beef with tons of smokey flavor and will make for the most true to the classics grilled burgers!

    Grilled Wagyu Burgers
    Looking to try out grilled burgers? This is the perfect place to start! Don't worry if you don't have wagyu beef; no matter what you use, this recipe will make for totally delicious, juicy burgers every time.
    get the recipe
    wagyu burger sliced in half with tomato slices
    Two loaded burgers on parchment paper

    How to Cook Burgers in the Oven

    If you're craving burgers but aren't craving cleaning up all that spattered grease, then let me introduce you to oven baked burgers. Shape the patties, pop them in the oven, and voila- perfectly tender, juicy burgers with absolutely zero mess.

    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire tray over the baking sheet.
    2. Form the patties into flat disks, then sprinkle them liberally with burger seasoning. Place the patties on the wire tray.
    3. Set the baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for 15 minutes.
    4. Remove, test the temperature with a meat thermometer, and serve!

    How to Bake Burgers Tips

    • Baked burgers are ultra hands-off, which leaves plenty of time to make toppings and sides.
    • If you want a bit of a crunchy crust, turn on the broiler and move the burgers directly under it. Remove them as soon as they start getting a nice char, a minute or less.
    • For an extra delicious finished product, wrap the burger buns in foil and set them in the oven for the last five minutes. They'll emerge soft, toasty, and totally perfect!
    • If you're adding cheese, add it to the patties 2 minutes before taking them out of the oven.

    Baked burgers won't have quite as much crispy crunch and smoky flavor as grilled, but they're totally mess free! If you want to focus on toppings, baking burgers is the way to go.

    Gourmet Loaded Burgers
    Loaded burgers are all about those amazing toppings, making them the perfect candidate for baking! Just set the patties to bake, then get lost in chopping, sauteing, and getting everything ready for a showstopping loaded burger.
    get the recipe
    loaded burger up close
    seasoned wagyu burgers

    How to Cook Burgers on the Stove

    Cooking burgers in a pan is the perfect combination of grilling and baking! Using a griddle or cast iron pan ensures crispy, crunchy crust just like they're burgers fresh off the grill, without needing to cook outside.

    1. Add a small amount of oil to a cast iron skillet, and heat it up on medium high heat until the oil is shimmering.
    2. Form your patties while the skillet heats. You want them to have a shallow impression in the center to prevent uneven cooking. If you're making smash burgers, don't worry about this!
    3. Place the patties on the hot skillet and stand back! Skillet burgers spatter! If you'd like, you can place a lid over the pan. Just be aware that this will cook the burgers faster!
    4. After 3-4 minutes, flip the burgers, and cook another 3-4 minutes.
    5. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer, then remove and serve!

    Skillet Burger Tips

    • Looking for a special treat? Try smash burgers! These ultra thin, ultra crispy burgers are made by smashing the patty flat on the pan with a spatula, resulting in a super crisp char. Just be careful- they cook much faster!
    • Skillet burgers are messy, so make sure the rest of the stovetop is clear of resting food. You can even set down a layer of paper towels on countertops nearby.
    • Make the buns extra delicious by briefly frying them in the leftover burger fat once the patties are done cooking!
    • Add cheese a minute before the burgers are done, and melt it quickly by covering the pan with a lid.

    Cooking burgers on the stove is the best way to get that crispy, crunchy crust without needing to bust out the grill! The only downside is the mess; you will get oil spattered everywhere.

    Smash Burger Recipe
    Make perfect use of a hot cast iron skillet with my Smash Burger recipe! These crispy flat burgers are utterly delicious and the ideal choice for cooking burgers on the stove.
    get the recipe
    Close up of smash burger on a plate
    Burger on a bun with lettuce, cheese, tomato and burger sauce.

    How to Cook Burgers in the Air Fryer

    For ultimate cooking ease, there's nothing like the Air Fryer! Like an ultra-fast oven but easier to clean, the air fryer is the easiest way ever to cook up burgers for dinner. Plus it's super fast! With the air fryer, you'll have juicy burgers in less than 20 minutes.

    1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. While it's heating, form the patties, and season them liberally on both sides.
    2. Set the patties in the air fryer basket with enough space between them that they're not touching.
    3. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip, and cook another 7 minutes.
    4. Remove from the air fryer, and serve!

    Air Fryer Burger Tips

    • A great way to make air fried burgers even easier to clean up after is to set a piece of bread on the bottom of the pan, under the basket. The bread will help soak up oil, meaning less oil to wipe up yourself!
    • Make sure to clean the basket right after you cook these burgers! No matter how you cook them, burgers will always be a bit of a mess.
    • Make sure to flip the burgers! If you don't, fat will collect on the top and make for sad, soggy burgers.
    • Don't over-crowd the basket. It's better to cook in batches than to over-crowd it and risk the edges not cooking through.
    • Add cheese slices 1-2 minutes before the burgers are done for bubbly, perfectly melted slices.

    Air frying is the most convenient and mess-free way to cook burgers indoors! If you have an air fryer, you've got to try these burgers. Once I tried them, I was hooked!

    Scroll to the bottom of the page for my favorite Air Fryer Burger Recipe and you'll be delighted at how tender they are.

    A garlic butter burger with the bun and tomato moved to the side to show the patty

    How to Smoke Burgers

    If you're aiming for a unique showstopper, there's nothing like smoked burgers! Not only are smoked burgers loaded with incredible flavor like no other burger, but they're the fastest smoked meat you can make. Done in only 35 minutes!

    1. Preheat the smoker to 500°F. As it's heating, prepare the patties. They don't need to be pressed down in the center; smoking the meat will cook the patties without deforming them.
    2. Set the burgers in the smoker, and cook for 10 minutes. Then flip and cook another 10 minutes.
    3. Remove, dress, and serve!

    Smoked Burgers Tips

    • Don't season the burgers early! Only get them ready to go once the smoker is preheated. This will prevent the salt in the seasonings from sucking out all the moisture.
    • Once the burgers are in the smoker, don't touch them! Let them cook the full 10 minutes, then flip them once, and leave them alone. This will ensure they stay juicy!
    • Pretty much every pellet will taste delicious with these burgers, but my personal favorite is cherry pellets.
    • You cannot and should not cook smoked burgers from frozen; it just won't work. Always used thawed, chilled meat.
    • Add cheese after the meat has cooked- you don't want to open the hood of the smoker, and the cheese can become overpowered with smoke if it's added early.

    Not everyone has access to a smoker, but if you do, this recipe is a must-try. If you don't, take a look at my favorite smoker! You'll never want burgers any other way again! And with such a short cook time, you'll be making them again and again.

    Smoked Hamburgers
    Smoked Burgers are the best! Smoking burgers results in burgers that are super juicy, with a crispy char and so much flavor.
    get the recipe
    Open faced smoked burger
    Lifting half a smoked burger near slices of tomatoes

    Cooking Burgers FAQ

    What is the best way to cook burgers?

    There is no one true "best" way to cook burgers- it's all about what you have access to, and what's most important to you in a burger! For the most true classic flavor, grilling burgers over charcoal is the best. But if you're looking for fast burgers with little to no cleanup, the air fryer is the best method!

    How to cook the perfect burger in a pan?

    Pan-fried burgers are all about using the right pan! Make sure to use a heavy cast iron skillet when cooking burgers on the stove. This will ensure the metal can get nice and hot, creating the perfect sear!

    Is it better to cook burgers in the oven or on the stove?

    Cooking burgers in the oven or on the stove depends on multiple factors. The oven is an ultra mess-free, hands-off method of cooking burgers and can cook many at once very easily. The stove, however, will give you the best flavor and texture, at the cost of it being a much messier method.

    How to make flavorful burgers?

    A good burger is defined by its seasonings! Keeping it simple with salt and pepper works great, but don't miss out on trying my famous burger seasoning. It's super easy, takes simple ingredients, and forms a flavorful and delectable crust you'll be craving every time!

    Burger Toppings

    For ideas for burger toppings, take a look at my Mushroom Swiss Burger and Egg Burger! You can make these burgers using any method you prefer.

    Mushroom Swiss Burger Recipe
    This Mushroom Swiss Burger Recipe is loaded with sauteed mushrooms and onions, Swiss cheese, and lean beef burger patties on brioche buns. You will savor every bite of this delicious mushroom burger!
    get the recipe
    putting onions and mushrooms on a swiss burger with a fork
    Egg Burger
    This is the Best Egg Burger Recipe you will ever try! Topped with caramelized onions, a golden runny egg, and Gruyere cheese, it's the perfect blend of smoky and sweet.
    get the recipe
    Egg burger with egg dripping down the side

    Cooking Beef

    • How to Defrost Ground Beef
    • Steak Temperature

    📌 Pin it for later!

    Did you enjoy this page? Save it on Pinterest for later!

    Share

    Pin

    If you enjoyed the recipe, leave a comment and a rating below!

    📋 Recipe

    Grilled burger on a serving board
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    No ratings yet

    How to Cook Burgers

    No matter how you like burgers, our guide on How to Cook Burgers has you covered! No matter what method you're using, check here first!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time14 minutes mins
    Total Time19 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cooking burgers, cooking hamburgers, how to cook burgers, how to grill burgers
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 515kcal
    Author: Isabel Laessig

    Equipment

    • Air fryer

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 mix
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 4 burger buns
    • 4 Tablespoons garlic butter optional

    See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!

    Instructions

    • Place 1 pound ground beef (80/20) in a large bowl, then add ½ teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, with ¼ teaspoon black pepper and 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.
      1 pound ground beef, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
      Mixing the ground beef for air fryer burger recipe in a glass bowl with a teaspoon to the side
    • Using your hands, mix together the hamburger mixture until it fully combines. Then, separate the mixture into 4 equally-sized balls. Form each ball into a patty.
      Four uncooked burger patties on a white plate for garlic butter burger
    • Heat air fryer to 360°F. Place the burger patties in the air fryer. Leave plenty of space between each patty. You can do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer oven.
    • Cook for 7 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Serve on a bun and garnish with your favorite burger toppings. If using, top each burger with 1 tablespoon garlic butter spread.
      4 burger buns, 4 Tablespoons garlic butter
      An open-face air fryer burger topped with garlic butter spread and tomatoes to the side in a white bowl

    Notes

    • A great way to make air fried burgers even easier to clean up after is to set a piece of bread on the bottom of the pan, under the basket. The bread will help soak up oil, meaning less oil to wipe up yourself!
    • Make sure to clean the basket right after you cook these burgers! No matter how you cook them, burgers will always be a bit of a mess.
    • Make sure to flip the burgers! If you don't, fat will collect on the top and make for sad, soggy burgers.
    • Don't over-crowd the basket. It's better to cook in batches than to over-crowd it and risk the edges not cooking through.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1burger | Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g

    Share

    Share
    Pin1
    Tweet
    Email
    « Carne Asada Tacos
    Smash Burger Recipe »

    About Isabel Laessig

    Isabel Laessig, better known as Family Foodie and the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement, is passionate about food and family! She is the author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook, and makes regular television appearances to spread her mission of bringing Sunday Supper back around the family table in every home.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment or question - we love to hear from you! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Family Foodie Facebook
    • Sunday Supper Pinterest
    • Sunday Supper Youtube
    • Family Foodie Instagram
    • Family Foodie Tiktok
    Isabel smiling with a stack of ribs

    Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie. Welcome to my beef-obsessed recipe website!

    About Me

    Best Beef Dinner Ideas

    • Beef chuck roast with potatoes and carrots
      Chuck Roast in the Oven
    • Burger seasoning in a bowl on a white wood surface
      Our Famous Burger Seasoning
    • Two air fried steaks on an offwhite plate, cut partially into slices to show the medium rare middle and topped with garlic butter
      Air Fryer Steak
    • Beef birria tacos on a white platter
      Birria Tacos Recipe
    • smoked brisket sliced with red gravy
      Smoked Brisket
    • Two slices of prime rib roast on a cutting board
      Boneless Rib Roast

    Footer

    Our Brands

    Best Beef Recipes | Sunday Supper Movement | Easy Sauce Recipes | Side Dish Ideas | Pork Recipe Ideas

    About Us

    • Contact Us
    • About Best Beef Recipes
    • Disclosure & Privacy
    • No AI
    • Sign up for our Newsletter!
    sunday supper movement logo

    Best Beef Recipes is part of the Sunday Supper Media publishing family.

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright ©2019-2023 Best Beef Recipes, All Rights Reserved.