In this article, we’ll go over how long to cook hamburgers on the grill along with anything else that you’ll need in order to grill burgers.
If you’re wondering how long to cook burgers on a grill, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the thickness of the burger will affect how long it takes to cook through.
A thinner burger will only take a couple of minutes per side, while a thicker burger will take longer.
Secondly, the type of grill you’re using will also impact the cooking time.
A charcoal grill will take longer to heat up than a propane grill, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your cookout.
Finally, your desired doneness will also dictate how long it needs to stay on the grill.
If you like your burgers well-done, they’ll need to cook for longer than if you prefer them rare or medium-rare.
- For rare burgers, cook for two minutes per side.
- For medium-rare burgers, cook for three minutes per side.
- For medium doneness (slightly pink center), cook for four minutes per side.
- For well-done burgers, cook for five minutes per side.
Remember to take the temperature of the meat before removing it from the grill, as cooking times can vary depending on how hot the grill is.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the burgers have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to grill up perfect burgers every time!
Grilling Burgers 101: Everything you need to know
Basic Steps to Grill Burgers
Grilling a burger is easy once you know the basics.
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and brushing the grates with oil.
Note – Preheat grill while keeping the meat cold!
Then, form your burgers into patties that are about ½-inch thick.
Season the burgers on both sides with salt and pepper, and then place them on the grill.
Cook for two to four minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
Be sure to flip the burgers only once during cooking so that they don’t dry out.
Add the cheese along with any other condiments that you need before you’re finished cooking.
Once they are done, remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to make perfect burger patties
Avoid over-handling the meat, as this will make them tough.
Form them into patties that are about three-quarters of an inch thick – any thinner and they’ll cook too quickly; any thicker and they’ll be difficult to grill evenly.
If you’re making bigger burgers, you might want to make a dimple in the center of each patty – this will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from puffing up in the middle.
Some people also like to put a dab of butter or another fat in the dimple in order to keep the meat moist. This will ensure juicy burgers every time.
Best ground beef for burgers
When it comes to grilling burgers, there are a lot of different opinions on what kind of ground beef is best.
Some people swear by a mix of ground chuck and sirloin, while others prefer to use all chuck or all sirloin.
There are even those who like to add a little bacon to their hamburger patties for extra flavor.
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing ground beef for a juicy burger.
First, consider the fat content.
Burgers that are too lean can be dry and difficult to cook properly, while those that are too fatty can shrink and fall apart on the grill.
Second, think about how you like your burgers cooked.
If you prefer them rare or medium-rare, you’ll want to choose ground beef that is relatively lean.
However, if you like your burgers well-done, you may want to go with a fattier blend that will stay juicy during a longer cooking time.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of burger recipes until you find the perfect blend for your taste buds.
What other meats can you use for Grilling Season?
Of course, nothing says that you HAVE to stick to beef burgers for your grilled backyard burgers (although beef is the favorite for those who grill hamburgers).
There are other alternatives such as veggie burgers, turkey burgers, chicken burgers, fish burger patties, tuna steak burgers, and even hot dogs of all kinds.
No matter what my personal opinion is, the best burgers are the ones that you and your guests enjoy.
However, it’s important to remember cooking times.
Fish, Chicken burgers, turkey burgers, and veggie burgers dry out much faster than beef burgers do, so you would cook them for less time.
Also, although ground beef burgers can be eaten medium-rare, poultry cannot.
So make sure that you cook it thoroughly to the minimum internal temperature required for that meat.
If your guests desire the taste of a ground beef burger but are eating a veggie burger, you can achieve that by using salt and pepper along with garlic powder and some of the same condiments that you’ll use on a beef burger like BBQ sauce.
That’ll give them the smoky flavor of a tasty burger while keeping their diet intact!
Again, when it comes to the cooking time or grill temperature for burgers that are not beef burgers, it’s best to use an instant-read thermometer and research grill temperature and times for exactly what you’re cooking.
That way you can ensure that you safely cook your food to a certain internal temperature.
Burger Patty Size
Some people prefer a larger burger that can be cooked all the way through without drying out, while others prefer a smaller burger that is easy to flip and get a nice char on both sides.
Then there are those who like to mix it up and do both!
Ultimately, good-sized burger patties will be about the size of your palm.
Or if you have a food scale at home, you can go anywhere from 1/8 pound to 1/2 pound.
Yes, it’s possible to go larger than half a pound but any larger than that and it becomes more difficult to cook a grilled burger thoroughly.
Burger topping ideas
If you’re looking for some new ideas to top your burgers with, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Sautéed mushrooms and onions: This classic burger topping is delicious and easy to cook. Simply sauté your mushrooms and fried onions in a pan with a little bit of oil or butter until they’re soft and caramelized. Then top your burger with them and enjoy!
- BBQ sauce: A little bit of barbecue sauce can go a long way in adding flavor to your burger. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a messy burger that’s hard to eat and has a flavor that’s overpowered.
- Guacamole: Guac is always a welcome addition to any burger. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even make your own homemade guacamole using ripe avocados, diced onion, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Blue cheese: For a tasty twist on the classic cheeseburger, try topping your burger with crumbled blue cheese. The sharp flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the juicy meat and crispy bun.
- Bacon: Bacon has become a staple of grilled backyard burgers across the country. Don’t want the hassle of baking bacon? Then buy pre-cooked bacon that you heat up in the microwave or on the grill.
- Fried egg: Don’t knock it till you try it! A fried egg turns your dry burgers into juicy hamburgers in no time.
- Peanut butter: Yum or yuck? Up your burger game by adding crunchy peanut putter to your backyard hamburgers and watch your guests be amazed by its deliciousness.
Charcoal Grill or Propane Gas Grill
For many people, grilling is the best way to cook a burger. But when it comes to choosing between a propane gas or charcoal grill, there is no clear consensus.
Each type of grill has its own advantages and disadvantages.
A gas grill is typically more expensive than a charcoal one, but they are also easier to use.
You can simply turn on the propane grill and start cooking, whereas with charcoal grills you need to spend some time getting the coals burning before you start cooking.
Gas grills also tend to be more evenly heated than charcoal grills, which can make them better for cooking burgers.
However, some people say that burgers cooked on a charcoal grill have a better flavor.
Charcoal grills can be more difficult to control than gas grills, so it takes some practice to get the hang of cooking on one.
But once you get the hang of it, many people say that charcoal grills produce tastier food.
I actually agree with that. A good burger turns into a great one with charcoal. Not only the burger but also the burger bun.
Although if you want to grill burgers on charcoal, you’ll have to get used to managing the direct heat of the charcoal and the burger temperature to determine when it’s done or not.
So if you’re looking for the best way to cook a burger, there is no definitive answer – it depends on your personal preferences.
Whichever type of grill you choose, just make sure you cook your burgers until they’re juicy and delicious!
Personally, I use a gas grill. Although I do agree that food tastes better cooked on charcoal, the convenience of a gas grill is too good to pass up!
How to properly melt cheese on your burger patties
One of the best parts of a burger is the cheese.
When melted, it creates a delicious, gooey topping that takes the burger to the next level.
However, if not done properly, melted cheese can be a disaster.
The key is to cook the burgers on a grill over medium-high heat.
Once the burgers are almost cooked through, add a slice of cheese to each patty and close the grill lid.
The heat will help to melt the cheese without burning it.
After a minute or so, remove the burgers from the grill and enjoy!
Toasting Burger Buns
In order for your burger to be truly perfect, you need to start with a perfectly toasted bun.
There are a few different ways to achieve this – you can either place the buns on the grates above the burgers as they cook, or you can toast them separately on the grates.
If you choose to toast them together on direct heat, be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
To toast the buns separately, simply place the buns on the grates for a minute or two until they’re nicely browned.
No matter which method you choose, perfectly grilled burgers are sure to be a hit at your next summer cookout!
Best Burger Seasoning
Grill burgers to your heart’s delight, but don’t forget the seasoning!
All you really need is salt, pepper, and good-quality beef.
With that said, there are a few other things that can help give your burger mix a richer taste.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Finally, don’t forget the condiments!
Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are all classic burger toppings that can help kick up the flavor and take a plain old grilled burger to the next level.
My personal favorite is BBQ sauce. Just a little dab of BBQ sauce goes a long way on a grilled burger.
In Conclusion
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this article on how long to grill hamburgers.
Grilling backyard burgers is one of my favorite things to do in the summer and although I eat ground beef year-round, there’s something special about grilling them outside.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments!
