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Hamburger Recipe

The BEST hamburger recipe that’s super simple and tastes absolutely delicious! Perfect for Summer BBQ’s or get-togethers. Makes the most juicy hamburger that’s filled with tons of flavor.

Homemade hamburger on a plate with sweet potato fries.
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The Very Best Hamburger

You can’t beat a good hamburger in the summer. It’s always the first thing my family requests when we fire up the grill. Sometimes we keep it healthy and make turkey burgers, but a big, juicy beef hamburger definitely has my heart.

Grilling is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. There’s nothing better than getting together with friends and family for a big ol’ BBQ. After you make this hamburger recipe, you’ll never go back to frozen patties again. They are SO good! The hamburgers are so juicy and have the perfect amount of flavor. Melt some cheese on top and add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles (or desired toppings) and you’ll have yourself a delicious burger that can’t be beat. Or skip the bun and make a low carb lettuce wrap burger or burger in a bowl. Your choice!

The Secret to Moist Hamburgers

Two words: BBQ sauce! Not only does it help bind the patties together, but it keeps them super juicy and moist. Plus it adds amazing flavor. I never make homemade hamburgers without it. You don’t need to add much…only about 2 Tablespoons per every 1.5 pounds of beef. You can even use steak sauce or ketchup instead, but I just love the flavor that BBQ sauce adds.

Hamburger patties with a thumbprint well in the middle.

Tips for Forming Hamburger Patties

  • Make sure to use 80/20 ground beef. The fat helps bind the meat together.
  • Some people will use 1 egg with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs to help bind their patties, but I like to use BBQ sauce. If I’m feeling fancy sometimes I’ll use teriyaki sauce. You could even use ketchup. The sauce really adds an extra boost of flavor, while helping bind the meat together so the patties don’t fall apart while cooking.
  • For even more flavor, mix some hamburger seasoning in with the meat before forming into patties.
  • Use a large spatula when flipping, and don’t flip until the patties have cooked 4-5 minutes.

How to Make Hamburgers on the Grill

  1. MIX & FORM. Combine beef, BBQ sauce, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix just until combined with your hands and shape into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a well in your patties with your thumb to prevent from bulging.
  2. GRILL. Place burgers on the grill and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and then cook an additional 4-5 minutes, or until juices run clear.
  3. SERVE. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
Hamburgers grilling on the grill.

Favorite Burger Toppings

Sides for Serving

Don’t forget the sides! This hamburger patty recipe pairs perfectly with:

Homemade hamburger on a bun with onion, tomato and lettuce.

More Grilling Recipes You’ll Love

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hamburger on a plate

Best Hamburger Recipe

4.94 from 16 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
The BEST hamburger recipe that's super simple and tastes absolutely delicious! Perfect for Summer BBQ's or get-togethers. Makes the most juicy hamburger that's filled with tons of flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean and 20% fat)
  • 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce (or steak sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 hamburger buns (I love using brioche buns)

Optional toppings: ketchup, mayo, mustard, thousand island, cheeese, bacon, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, sliced onion, pickles

    Instructions

    • Preheat the grill to medium high. 
    • Combine the ground beef, BBQ sauce, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Mix just until combined with your hands and shape into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a well in your patties with your thumb to prevent from bulging.
    • Place burgers on the grill and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and then cook an additional 4-5 minutes, or until juices run clear. Top with cheese slices, if desired. Grill until cheese has melted and turn off the heat. 
    • Serve hamburgers on buns with your favorite toppings. 

    Video


    Notes

    You can even use this recipe to make baked hamburgers in the oven if preferred. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 502kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 998mg | Potassium: 576mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 5.1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    These hamburgers really are so juicy and flavorful. Can’t beat homemade!

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