Hamburgers are perfect for summer celebrations or lazy afternoons! The best way to make a classic burger is with just 4 simple ingredients and a a few great tips!
Simply grill and serve with a generous side of dill pickle pasta salad or our favorite potato salad.
Meat for Hamburgers
A great hamburger recipe has very few ingredients so we always make sure to have the best quality possible!
I start with ground chuck. This is a recipe I want to make sure I have a little bit of fat so I use an 80/20 mix. There is enough fat in the burger to keep it juicy yet not so much that it’ll just have flare ups. The fat adds great flavor and a great texture to this recipe!
A 90/10 mix can result in a dry hamburger. If it’s all you have on hand, add some finely chopped bacon or even a tablespoon or so of olive oil!
How to Make Hamburgers
If you have a great hamburger or cheeseburger recipe, you’ll be legendary at home and in the neighborhood for sure! This simple technique ensures burger success every single time, whether you use a grill or the stovetop!
- MIX:
- Mix beef, grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- FORM PATTIES:
- Shape into 4 patties, about ¾” thick.
- Create an indent in the center of each one with your thumb, this will help keep the burger from bulging in the center.
- Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before cooking.
- GRILL OR PAN FRY: Follow the directions below to either grill or cook on the stove.
The FoodSafety.gov recommends cooking ground beef to a temperature of 160°F (test your patties with a meat thermometer). Let them rest a few minutes before serving with condiments, toppings and a toasted bun!
How Long to Grill Burgers
If you are using a gas grill, the thickness of the burger and the temperature of the grill makes all the difference in how long to cook it. Make sure your grill is preheated to medium and cook the burgers about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Let them rest about 5 minutes before serving. Just because the outside looks cooked, doesn’t mean the inside is fully cooked.
How to tell if it’s cooked: The best method to tell if beef burgers are cooked all the way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty and check for an internal temperature of 160°F (or just a few degrees before). Remember, meat continues to cook a little bit once it’s been removed from its heat source.
How to Cook a Burger on the Stove
Beef burgers are easy to cook on the stove!
- Using a cast iron or heavy skillet, form patties and place in the skillet over medium heat.
- Allow them to fry and form a crust on one side and then flip them and cook until they are cooked.
- Test for doneness with a meat thermometer and remove from pan.
What to Put on a Burger
The best burger recipe always has a selection of tasty toppings and condiments. Hamburger recipes are the ultimate ‘build-your-own’ meal because no two burgers have to be the same!
- Standard Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles
- Extra Toppings: chili, eggs, sauteed mushrooms, guacamole or jalapeños. For an extra kick, try making this spicy jalapeño cheddar burger!
- Condiments: mustard, mayo, and relish, why not a squirt of sriracha or wasabi or even barbecue sauce!
Whatever is in the fridge or pantry can go on a burger! Also, a great bun only complements a great burger, so be sure to use quality buns or rolls and toast them alongside the burger for a little extra yum!
Delicious Burger Side Dishes
- Italian Pasta Salad – ready in 20 mins!
- Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe just 5 ingredients.
- Pineapple Crock Pot Baked Beans– perfect to set and forget.
- The Best Bacon Pea Salad – delicious crowd-pleasing summer side!
- Caesar Salad – rich and creamy classic!
Did you enjoy this Classic Hamburger Recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Classic Hamburger Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck 80/20
- 1 tablespoon onion grated
- 2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- salt & pepper
- 4 buns or rolls
Instructions
- Mix beef, onion and Worcestershire in a bowl just until combined.
- Gently shape into 4 patties, about ¾" thick. Using your thumb, create an indent in the center of each burger.
- Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before cooking.
To Grill
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Season the outside of the burgers with salt & pepper to taste.
- Cook burgers about 4-6 minutes per side or until they reach 160°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted rolls or buns.
To Cook on the Stove Top
- Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the outside of the burgers with salt & pepper to taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the beef patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until they reach 160°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted rolls or buns.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course air fryer, Beef, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Great recipes thanks so much for making it easy with my new air frying experience
Thanks for mentioning that burgers always need to rest for a few minutes before serving. My husband loves burgers, so I want to surprise him with some for his birthday this weekend. I don’t typically cook beef, so I’ll definitely need to follow this recipe!
Good luck this your surprise this weekend Eve and happy birthday to your husband!
80/20 of what?
80% of what to 20% of what else? I get it it’s 80% of some kind of ground beef — what’s the other 20%? Is it 80% beef, 20% onions? That seems like a lot of onions.
I’ve been cooking burgers for years but I thought I’d try something new in this recipe. Unfortunately, I just don’t know what you mean… Too much assumed.
Hi Peter, that’s a great question! 80/20 refers to the lean beef to fat ratio when buying ground chuck from the store. You can buy ground beef with different fat ratios from extra lean (a 93/7 ratio of lean beef to fat), lean (85/15), to regular (70/30). A ground beef with a higher fat content will make have more flavor and keep the burgers moist and juicy. I hope this helps!
I made this with a bunch of Worcestershire sauce and the onions and added some bell pepper and mixed it all together. Then made the hamburgers and they are in the fridge for later to grill! I bet they will be yummy. I am not a big HAMBURGER fan as they are usually boring. Not tonite~! Some corn on the cob and baked beans it will be the best!
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe Kris!
Who would’ve thought there’s a recipe for a really good hamburger. Well… me actually… and I knew Spend With Pennies would have it. Thanks for being my go to recipe place!
You’re too kind, Joyce! But we are so happy you enjoyed this recipe.
A trick I learned a long time ago. If you poke a hole in the center of the burger before grilling it will cook through more quickly without drying out
Thanks for the tip Mary, we will have to try that out!
The fact that as a bachelor I say this for everything does not mean it’s not true: wonderful delicious thank you very much.
You’re very welcome Mike!!
We’ve been making hamburgers for years; these were the best we’ve ever made. Thank you. : )
Jesus is Good.
Hi! Holly im glad i found your recipes im new in cooking and im willing to learn from you but i want to start with easy recipes that will help me to be confident and thank you about information i wish you all the best
Thanks so much, Naledi! So happy we are able to help :)
This is basic as promised, but I was hoping to see your recipe for the hamburger dressing that looks like the Big Mac sauce.
The dressing is Thousand Island dressing.
Holly, I just love your recipes, nice and easy to follow ,even for a mere male .
Thanks so much John, glad you’re enjoying them!! :) Happy Cooking!