Ever wondered how to make a burger on the stove? This homemade burger recipe is great for apartment living or anytime you don't feel like firing up the grill. In just 20 minutes, you can make juicy, flavorful burgers using your cast iron skillet.
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.
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Key Ingredients
- Good quality ground beef. I usually get 85% lean grass-fed beef. I like a higher fat content to keep my burgers juicy, flavorful and tender.
- Seasonings. I use simple ingredients like salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Onion powder or finely diced yellow onion are great additions, too.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Craving even more flavor? Try my Turkey Smash Burgers with Onion next.
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.
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.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. 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 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 burgers pair perfectly with classic sides. Try them with crispy 10-minute steak fries or buttery smashed 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.
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
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
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How to Make Burgers on the Stove (Juicy & Easy Every Time!)
See the full post for extra tips and photos
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
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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
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- 1 Mixing Bowl
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