These juicy stovetop burgers are the perfect solution when you want a great burger without firing up the grill. Learning how to cook burgers on the stove is easier than you think: a hot cast-iron skillet, a few simple ingredients, and 20 minutes is all you need.
I'm a firm believer that the perfect burger is however you like it, whether that's topped with melted cheese, loaded with fresh toppings, or served with a side of seasoned fries.
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. Prefer turkey over beef? Try my Turkey Smash Burgers with Onion instead.
Want the same burger-night flavor in a cozy pasta dinner? Try my one-pot cheeseburger pasta next.
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Key Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Burger Toppings
I usually use a brioche-style bun from my local grocery store. Top your burgers with your favorite toppings:
- Classic: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
- Cheesy: A slice of melted cheddar, Swiss, or American
- Savory: Sautéed onions and mushrooms
The beauty of homemade burger patties is that you can top them however you want.
How to Make Stovetop Burgers
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
Times are based on 1-inch thick patties cooked in a preheated cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Tips for the Juiciest Burgers
- Preheat the skillet. A hot pan helps to sear the outside of the burgers, locking in juices and creating a delicious crust.
- Only flip once. Flip burgers just 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. Mix salt, pepper, and any other desired spices into the 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 juicy stovetop burgers pair perfectly with classic sides. Try them with crispy 10-minute steak fries or buttery smashed fingerling potatoes for a cozy, satisfying combo.
Balance the richness with something bright. I love serving burgers with my potato and green bean salad or feta and cucumber salad. For bold, tangy flavor, the antipasto tortellini salad is a crowd-pleasing favorite, especially for summer cookouts.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftover patties (and buns/toppings separately) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for 3-4 months. Wrap well. You can also freeze uncooked patties for the same amount of time.
To Reheat: Thaw overnight if frozen. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for 3-5 minutes per side until warmed through.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below-I'd love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Juicy Stovetop Burgers (Easy, No-Grill Recipe)
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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.1 pound 85% lean grass-fed ground beef, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 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.4 slices American or cheddar cheese
- Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.Burger buns, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles
Sarah's Tips
- Use 80/20 or 85/15 beef for juicy burgers
- Preheat skillet and flip only once for a nice sear and crust
- Press a thumbprint in each patty to prevent puffing
- Use a thermometer to check for your preferred doneness
Tools I Use for This Recipe
- 1 Mixing Bowl
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