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Juicy Homemade Burger

Close-up of a juicy burger with melted cheese on a toasted bun, ready to be served.

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Create a restaurant-quality juicy burger at home with a perfectly browned crust and tender center. This recipe provides simple steps for the best homemade burger patties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 burger buns
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, condiments

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Do not overmix.
  2. Divide the beef into four equal portions and gently form them into patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
  3. Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. If grilling, lightly oil the grates. Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet.
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
  6. During the last minute of cooking, you can toast the burger buns on the grill or in the skillet.
  7. Assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Notes

  • For extra juicy burgers, use an 80/20 ground beef blend.
  • Gently form the patties; overworking the meat can make burgers tough.
  • The indentation in the center helps the burger cook evenly.
  • Avoid pressing down on the burgers while they cook, as this squeezes out the juices.
  • For a cast iron burger, ensure the pan is well-seasoned and hot before adding the patties.

Nutrition