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Hamburger Recipe

The BEST hamburger recipe that’s super simple and tastes absolutely delicious! This grilling classic is perfect for summer cookouts or get-togethers and makes the most juicy homemade hamburger patty that’s filled with tons of flavor.

Hamburger and fries on a platter.
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Best Hamburger Patty Recipe

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 recipe 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 patty recipe, you’ll never go back to frozen patties again. This easy recipe with ground beef is just SO good!

The hamburgers are meaty, juicy and have the perfect amount of rich flavor. Melt some cheese on top for the best cheeseburger or add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles (or desired toppings) for 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!

Homemade Hamburger Recipe Ingredients

The secret to a juicy burger patty is the addition of BBQ sauce! It not only adds flavor but moisture, too! Here is what else you need for the best homemade hamburgers.

Hamburger ingredients on counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Ground beef: For the best juicy hamburgers, I love to use meat that is 20% fat (not lean). Ground chuck is also a great choice, but more pricey.
  • BBQ sauce: I love my homemade BBQ sauce but your favorite store-bought sauce or even steak sauce can be used.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Special sauce (optional): Mayo, ketchup, white vinegar, seasoned salt and dill pickle relish.

Toppings

Choose as many or as little burger toppings to create your own perfect hamburger!

How to Make The Perfect Hamburger

It’s simple and quick to make a restaurant-quality hamburger from scratch at home in your own kitchen or on the grill!

Showing how to make hamburgers in a 4 step collage.
  1. Combine. Combine ground beef, BBQ sauce, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Mix and form. Using your hands, mix the ground beef mixture until combined and shape into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make an indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent bulging.
  3. Grill. Place burgers on a preheated grill set to medium-high heat and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and then cook an additional 4-5 minutes, or until juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer for accuracy. A medium burger should register an internal temp of 140°F.
  4. Serve. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

Expert Tips for Juicy Burgers

  • 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 or steak 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.
Hamburgers and toppings on counter.

Serving Suggestions

A good old fashioned hamburger only gets better with some classic sides! This hamburger patty recipe pairs perfectly with:

FAQs

What type of meat is best?

How do you make juicy homemade 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.

Can I bake them in the oven?

Yes, just follow my oven baked hamburger recipe which relies on both high heat and baking on a cooking rack set over a sheet pan to ensure the exterior of the burger still gets nice and crisp.

Do I need to add a binder to my hamburger meat?

While I love a binder such as egg in meatloaf or meatballs, a hamburger can hold its shape on its own and does not need a binder for help.

What other seasonings can I add to this perfect hamburger patty recipe?

Homemade hamburgers are great for customizing with your favorite spices! Try crushed red pepper for a punch of heat or diced jalapenos. Add some fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley or scallions or try some finely diced onion or shredded cheese.

Hamburger and fries on a plate.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3-4 months.

To make ahead of time form ground beef into patties and then store covered in the refrigerator up to 2 days. You can also freeze uncooked burgers up to 4 months. Place a piece of wax paper between each burger so they don’t freeze to each other.

Need more cookout dinners? Try these grilled steak kabobs, BBQ chicken foil packets or BBQ pork sandwich!

More Delicious Burger Recipes

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Hamburger and fries on a plate.

Best Hamburger Recipe

5 from 52 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
The BEST hamburger recipe that's super simple and tastes absolutely delicious! This grilling classic is perfect for summer cookouts or get-togethers and makes the most juicy homemade hamburger patty that's filled with tons of flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4

Video

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ pounds (80% lean and 20% fat) ground beef
  • 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce , or steak sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 hamburger buns , I prefer brioche buns
  • slices of American cheese , optional
  • butter for toasting , optional

Special sauce

  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 2-3 Tablespoons ketchup
  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar
  • pinch of seasoned salt , I use Lawry's
  • dill pickle relish , optional (can add 1-2 Tablespoons)

Optional toppings: Bacon, Lettuce leaves, Tomato slices, Sliced red onion, Pickles

    Instructions

    • Preheat the grill to medium high. 
    • In a medium bowl, using your hands, mix the ground beef, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper just until combined. Shape into 4 3/4-inch thick patties. Using your thumb, make a well in the center of the patties to prevent bulging.
    • Place patties on the grill and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until juices run clear. Top with cheese slices, if desired. Cover the grill and cook until cheese has melted. You can also butter your buns and put on the grill the last minute of cooking if desired.
    • While the burger are cooking combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl. Mix until combined and set aside.
    • Place on buns and top with your favorite toppings to serve. 

    Notes

    Oven: You can even use this recipe to make baked hamburgers in the oven if preferred. 
    Hamburger Tips:
      • Make sure to use 80/20 ground beef. The fat helps bind the meat together.
      • Sauce: I like to use BBQ sauce but you could use ketchup. If I’m feeling fancy sometimes I’ll use teriyaki sauce. 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 to 5 minutes.
    Storage: Leftover cooked hamburger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. 

    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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