Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean and 20% fat, such as ground chuck)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons seasoning salt or regular salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon grated onion or ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional spices for extra flavor: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon sugar
4 to 6 hamburger buns
Optional cheese slices (American or provolone recommended)
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapeños, bacon, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, or homemade sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional onion or other spices. Mix gently by hand just until combined—do not overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, shaping each into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a thumb indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.
4. Optional: Refrigerate the patties for about 20 minutes before cooking to help them hold together.
5. Just before cooking, season the outside of the patties with additional salt and pepper if desired.
6. Place patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until the bottom is seared and juices start pooling on top. Flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
7. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty about 1 minute before finishing to allow it to melt.
8. Remove burgers from heat and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
9. Serve on toasted buns with your choice of toppings and condiments.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧄 Use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for juicy and flavorful burgers. If using leaner meat, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or chopped bacon for moisture.
🤚 Avoid over-mixing the meat to keep the patties tender.
💡 Making a thumb indentation in the center of the patties helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
- Prep Time: 10 to 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes (optional)
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 277 to 558 kcal
- Sugar: 3 to 5 g
- Sodium: 294 to 1533 mg
- Fat: 7 to 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 to 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 to 26 g
- Fiber: 1 to 2 g
- Protein: 29 to 33 g
- Cholesterol: 70 to 120 mg