Classic Hamburger Recipe

This must-have hamburger recipe has all you need to know to make delicious burgers with only 4 ingredients!

Big juicy hamburger patties don’t need a lot of ingredients or extras. With just a few great tips, these patties are perfect for cookouts all year ’round!

Turn them into cheeseburgers or add your favorite toppings.

Classic Hamburger Recipe on a bun with vegetables

Homemade Hamburgers

Hamburgers are a classic dish that stands the test of time!
These homemade patties are easy to make without any fillers or extras.
Perfect for picnics, parties, and BBQs, try a BYO (Build Your Own) Burger Bar!
Simply seasoned and easy to freeze for future recipes.
Leftovers are great in hamburger soup or cooked up Salisbury steak style.

Ingredients in Hamburgers

This hamburger recipe is simple and makes perfect juicy patties.

Ground Beef – A perfect hamburger starts with the right meat. Look for an 80/20 blend of ground beef. It has enough fat to keep the hamburger patties moist without being greasy or causing flare-ups.

Seasonings – Worcestershire sauce not only helps the burger brown, but also adds umami or a nice savory flavor. While I keep these simple, you can level up your homemade burgers with a DIY burger seasoning.

Cheese – I love a slice of cheddar cheese, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Once your burger is done, place a cheese slice atop each patty and let it rest until melted for the perfect cheesburger.

Classic Beef Burger patties on parchment

How to Make Hamburger Patties

The best hamburger recipe is simple with just a few ingredients. These contain no breadcrumbs, allowing the flavor to come from the burger itself.

Mix beef, grated onion, & Worcestershire sauce. Add salt & pepper to taste.
Form patties & indent the center of each one with your thumb (this prevents the patties from swelling up in the center as they cook).
Chill before cooking.

GRILL: On medium heat, cook burgers for 4-5 minutes per side.
STOVETOP: Use a heavy-duty skillet or cast-iron skillet. Cook the burgers over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
AIR FRYER: Place prepared patties in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 6 minutes, flip, & cook another 3-5 minutes.

Use 80/20 lean ground beef so you have a little fat for great flavor.
Combine the meat mixture just until mixed; overmixing will make tough burger patties.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to add a dent to the center of each patty. This will keep it from bulging in the center.

The key to perfect hamburgers, regardless of the cooking method, is to use a meat thermometer. Burgers should read at 160°F or just a few degrees less since they’ll continue to cook once they’re removed from the heat. And always let the burgers rest a few minutes before serving.

Raw Classic Beef Burger patties on parchment paper

Best Burger Toppings

The perfect way to finish of this burger recipe is in fresh hamburger buns with lots of toppings.

Condiments: Think beyond ketchup and mustard. Add bbq sauce, mayo, or even a little hot sauce or thousand island dressing.
Toppings: Tomato, lettuce, pickles, and red onion are classic toppings but try bacon, mushrooms, or even fried eggs.

Can you Freeze Hamburger Patties?

Hamburgers can be frozen (raw or cooked and cooled) with parchment paper between each patty for up to a month in the freezer.

Classic hamburger on a wooden plate with tomatoes onions lettuce and sauce

Sides to Savor

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Savor the simplicity of this classic hamburger recipe made with only 4 ingredients, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Chill Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Mix beef, onion and Worcestershire in a bowl just until combined.
Gently shape into 4 patties, about ¾” thick. Using your thumb, create an indent in the center of each burger.
Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before cooking.
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Season the outside of the burgers with salt & pepper.
Cook burgers about 4-6 minutes per side or until they reach 160°F.
Rest for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted rolls or buns.

To Cook on the Stove Top

Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Season the outside of the burgers with salt & pepper to taste.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the beef patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until they reach 160°F.
Rest for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted rolls or buns.

AIR FRYER: Arrange the prepared patties in a single layer within the air fryer, cooking them for 6 minutes on one side, then flipping them and cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Store raw burgers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Store cooked burgers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course air fryer, Beef, Dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American

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