Grilled Beef Burger Recipe

Prepare meat mixture

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat. Using your hands, gently fold the seasonings into the beef until just combined. Avoid overworking to keep patties tender.

Form patties

Divide the seasoned meat into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Form each portion into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing during grilling.

Preheat grill

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F / 200–230°C). Clean the grates with a grill brush and oil them lightly using a paper towel dabbed in vegetable oil held with tongs.

Grill patties

Place patties on the hot grill over direct heat. Grill for 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing down. Flip once and grill another 3 minutes for medium doneness. If you want cheese, place a slice of cheddar on each patty after flipping or during the last 1 minute of grilling and close the lid to melt.

Check temperature & rest

For safety and desired doneness, use an instant-read thermometer: 160°F (71°C) for well-done, 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare (note USDA recommends 160°F for ground beef). Once cooked, transfer patties to a plate and loosely tent with foil; rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.

Prepare produce and condiments

While the grill heats, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds, peel and thinly slice the red onion into rings, and wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Set out mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup and pickles.

Toast buns

Brush the cut sides of the buns lightly with melted butter. Place them cut-side down on the grill or a hot skillet for 30–60 seconds until golden and lightly crisp. Remove and keep warm.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun, 1/2 tablespoon ketchup and 1/2 tablespoon mustard on the top half (adjust to taste). Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then the rested patty (with melted cheese if used), top with a tomato slice, 2 pickle slices, and some red onion rings. Close with the top bun.

Serve

Serve the grilled beef burgers immediately with your choice of sides. Provide extra condiments on the side if desired.