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Easy Easiest Grilled Burgers Recipe for Juicy Perfect Results You’ll Love

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A simple and straightforward grilled burger recipe that yields juicy, tender patties with a perfect seared crust. Ready in about 20 minutes, ideal for quick dinners or cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing grill grates and patties)
  • 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or potato buns)
  • 4 cheese slices (American, cheddar, or preferred melting cheese)
  • Toppings (optional): leaf lettuce, fresh tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a thin layer of ash (10-15 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, and optional garlic and onion powders. Mix just enough to evenly distribute seasoning without overworking the meat.
  3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Shape each into a round patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during grilling.
  4. Brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil using a basting brush or oil-soaked paper towel to prevent sticking.
  5. Place patties on the grill directly over the heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a seared crust forms and juices start pooling on top.
  6. Flip the burgers carefully with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature 160°F). Add cheese slices during the last minute and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
  7. Toast the buns cut-side down on the cooler side of the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.
  8. Remove patties and buns from the grill. Let the burgers rest for 3 minutes to redistribute juices, then assemble with preferred toppings.

Notes

Do not press down on the patties while grilling to avoid squeezing out juices. Make a thumb indentation in the center of patties to prevent puffing. Rest burgers for 3 minutes before serving. Use an 80/20 beef blend for best juiciness. For gluten-free, substitute buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free bread. A cast-iron skillet can be used indoors as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled burgers, easy burger recipe, juicy burgers, backyard barbecue, quick dinner, simple grilling