Ever wondered, how to make a burger on the stove? This homemade burger recipe is great for apartment living and anyone without an outdoor grill. Make this simple burger recipe right in your cast-iron skillet.
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I'm a firm believer that the perfect burger is however YOU make it whether that's with a slice of cheese, loaded with fresh toppings or served with a side of seasoned french fries.
I prefer medium-rare meat, and my burgers to be nice and juicy, melt in your mouth. Homemade beef burgers are extremely easy to make so even if it's your first time this recipe will turn you into a pro! The best way to make a great burger on the stovetop is in a hot skillet, preferably a cast iron pan.
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🌟Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Meal prep-friendly. This classic burger recipe is great for meal prepping.
- Stovetop burgers. Great for anyone without a grill or living in an apartment.
- Juicy burger. This flavorful burger recipe is juicy and tender!
🥘Ingredients
- Good quality ground beef. I usually get 85% grass-fed lean beef. I like a higher fat content to keep my burgers juicy and the meat tender.
- Beef mixture. I use simple ingredients in my beef mixture like salt, black pepper and garlic powder. You can also add yellow onion or onion powder to the burger patty.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
If you love onions you'll love my Turkey Smash Burgers with Onion.
Burger Toppings
- Hamburger buns. I usually buy a brioche-style bun from my local grocery store.
- Fresh produce like a slice of tomato, lettuce, onion and pickles on top of each patty is how we do it.
- The beauty of homemade burger patties is you can top them however you want. Try sautéed onion and mushrooms or a slice of melted cheese.
🔪Instructions
Step 1: Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to a bowl and mix to combine.
Step 2: Form the mixture into 4 even 1-inch patties. Make a thumbprint in the center of the patties.
It may seem silly, but the thumbprint does serve a purpose! Burrowing a hole prevents the burger from puffing up and bulging in the center.
Step 3: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot. Add the patties to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare burgers. (See temperature chart below)
Step 4: If you're using cheese, add it during the last minute of cooking. Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings and sides. Enjoy!
Burger Temperature Chart
💭Recipe FAQs
Typically, I aim for around ¼ to ⅓ pound (150-225 grams) of ground beef per burger. Adjust according to personal preference.
Yes, seasoning the meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices before cooking enhances flavor. Mix the seasoning evenly into the ground beef.
The best way to ensure burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (55-57°C), 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium, and 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
👩🏻🍳Sarah's Top Tips
- Preheat the cast-iron pan. Ensure the skillet or frying pan is thoroughly preheated over medium-high heat before adding the burgers. A hot pan helps to sear the outside of the burgers, locking in juices and creating a delicious crust.
- Only flip once. Resist the urge to constantly flip the burgers. Flip them only once halfway through cooking to ensure a nicely browned crust on both sides.
- Good quality meat. Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 (80% lean meat, 20% fat), for juicier and more flavorful burgers. The fat helps to keep the burgers moist during cooking.
- Season generously. Don't skimp on seasoning. Mix salt, pepper, and any other desired spices evenly into the ground beef before forming the patties. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Follow the temperature chart. Follow the burger temp chart for the best results, especially if you're new to cooking burgers!
🥗How to Serve Stovetop Burgers
These perfect stovetop burgers can be served up however you like! Put them between a toasted bun, layered with melted cheese and fresh crunchy produce.
Some of my favorite sides for homemade burgers:
- 10-minute Steak Fries
- Summer Tomato Salad
- Feta and Cucumber Salad
- Egg-Free Potato Salad
- Air-Fryer Carrots with Garlic
- Buttery Smashed Potatoes
🥣Storage & Reheating
To store leftover burgers, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The patties, buns and toppings should be stored separately.
Freeze leftover cooked burgers in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for 3-4 months.
If the burgers are frozen, it's best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat burgers on the stove, preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Place the burgers in the pan and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until warmed through.
More Burger Recipes
- Baked Salmon Burgers25 Minutes
- The Juiciest Ground Chicken Burgers22 Minutes
- Turkey Smash Burgers (Done in 20 Minutes)20 Minutes
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers25 Minutes
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How to Make Burgers on the Stove
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Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% lean grass-fed ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
Toppings
- Burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Form the mixture into 4 1-inch thick patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Once hot, add the patties to the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes to allow a nice charred crust to form. Flip the burgers and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. (See burger temperature chart below)
- If using cheese, add it during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Sarah's Tips
- Ensure the skillet is thoroughly preheated over medium-high heat before adding the burgers. A hot pan helps to sear the outside of the burgers, locking in juices and creating a delicious crust.
- Resist the urge to constantly flip the burgers. Flip them only once halfway through cooking to ensure a nicely browned crust on both sides.
- Opt for ground beef with higher fat content, such as 80/20 (80% lean meat, 20% fat), for juicier and more flavorful burgers. The fat helps to keep the burgers moist during cooking.
- Mix salt, pepper, and any other desired spices evenly into the ground beef before forming the patties. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Don't over-mix the patties. When forming the patties, handle the meat gently and avoid over-packing or pressing too hard. Overworking the meat can result in tough burgers.
- Follow the burger temp chart for the best results, especially if you're new to cooking burgers!
- Don't forget the thumbprint. It may seem silly, but the thumbprint does serve a purpose! Burrowing a hole prevents the burger from puffing up and bulging in the center.
- To store leftover burgers, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The patties, buns and toppings should be stored separately.
- Freeze leftover cooked burgers in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for 3-4 months.
- If the burgers are frozen, it's best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat burgers on the stove, preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Place the burgers in the pan and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until warmed through.
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- 1 Mixing Bowl
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