best juicy hamburger recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best juicy hamburger recipe

I’ve been perfecting my juicy hamburger recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The secret to making the perfect burger is all about the technique – you want to get that perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside nice and juicy.

I learned this technique from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. It’s a classic American recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and it’s one of those comfort foods that just makes you feel happy and satisfied.

When I’m in the mood for something easy and delicious, I always turn to this recipe. It’s also a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet – just add some sautéed onions and mushrooms to the mix!

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp on the beef or the cheese. And make sure you let the meat rest for at least 30 minutes before forming it into patties.

This allows the juices to redistribute and gives you a more even cook. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always excited to see what kind of toppings I’ve got ready for them.

Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize – just add your favorite toppings or try out new ones like grilled pineapple or bacon jam.

Best Juicy Hamburger

4.8 from 1187 votes

This hamburger recipe delivers a perfectly juicy patty with a savory crust. The combination of ground beef, seasonings, and a simple cooking technique ensures a flavorful and moist burger every time.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Patties

1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)

For Assembly

4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
4 leaves lettuce
4 slices tomato
4 slices red onion
Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2Mix just until incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the burgers tough.
3Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick.
4Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty, which helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up.
5Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (about 400-450°F).
6Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving them, until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.
7Flip the patties and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes for medium, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
8If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover the grill or skillet to melt the cheese.
9Remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for 2 minutes.
10Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the skillet until golden, about 30 seconds.
11Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your preferred condiments.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Grill or cast-iron skillet
Spatula
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For extra juiciness, use 80/20 ground beef and avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking. Letting the patties rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.

Watch Video Of How Best Juicy Hamburger Works

I always love serving these burgers up at our family gatherings – they’re such an easy crowd-pleaser! One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – whether we’re serving them up with some fries or making sliders with buns and toppings galore, there are endless possibilities with this recipe.

And don’t even get me started on leftovers… because let’s be real, who doesn’t love leftover burgers?

When we’re not grilling up these babies outdoors, we love reheating them in our oven with some crispy buns on top.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Juicy Hamburger

1. What is the best type of ground beef for juicy hamburgers?

I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 ratio of lean meat to fat. The fat is what keeps the burger moist and adds flavor. Leaner blends like 90/10 will result in a drier patty.

2. Should I season the meat before or after forming the patties?

Season the patties right before they go on the grill or pan. If you mix salt into the ground beef too early, it can draw out moisture and make the burgers dense. Just sprinkle salt and pepper on the outside of each patty just before cooking.

3. How do I keep the burgers from puffing up in the middle?

Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking. This helps the burger cook evenly and stay flat instead of forming a dome shape. It is a simple trick that works every time.

4. What is the best way to cook these burgers?

You can cook them on a grill, in a cast iron skillet, or on a griddle. High heat is important to get a good sear. For a medium burger, cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute.

5. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the patties and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Place them on a tray with parchment paper between layers. You can also freeze the uncooked patties for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking.

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