Making juicy homemade hamburger patties is easier than you think. Whether you're grilling for a backyard barbecue or cooking burgers in a cast iron skillet, a few simple tricks make all the difference.
I'll show you how to shape patties, keep them from falling apart, prevent shrinking, and season them so they're juicy and packed with flavor every single time.
Jump to:
- Quick tips for great hamburger patties
- How to make burgers stick together
- FAQ's
- Best ways to keep burgers from falling apart
- Best way to form patties
- Easy ways to season patties
- Hamburger Temperature Guide
- Equipment
- Tools to use for uniform-size patties
- How to freeze hamburgers
- Great burger recipes
- Life's too short to eat anything but the best burgers!
Quick tips for great hamburger patties
☑️ Use 80/20 ground chuck for the juiciest burgers.
☑️ Handle the meat gently-don't overmix.
☑️ Make a small thumbprint in the center of each patty.
☑️ Season the outside just before cooking.
☑️ Flip only once
☑️ Do not try and flatten the burgers when grilling
☑️ Let burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to make burgers stick together
For traditional beef burgers made with 80/20 ground chuck, you don't need eggs or breadcrumbs. The natural fat binds everything together beautifully. If you're using lean meats like turkey or very lean beef, adding one egg can help hold the patties together.
Add about one egg per pound of lean meat, or two eggs if you're making turkey burgers, to ensure your meat mixture stays together through cooking until your very first bite.
Can't use eggs? That's okay. Other fats work too. For example, mayonnaise is a great alternative. You can also add some milk. Some people even use a bit of mashed avocado! There are so many options, but they all make a great burger.
FAQ's
Avoid lean ground beef. Rather, opt for a fattier mixture; 20 percent fat is ideal. I'm a firm believer that ground chuck makes the best burger ever-and plenty of grill masters will back me up on that!
Typically, meat shrinks a bit when cooked, especially fatty meat. However, you can prevent your burgers from shrinking too much by making an indentation in the center of the patty with your thumb. Some people call this a "burger dimple" and it's the trick to a perfect patty!
Minimal handling! Don't overwork the meat when forming the beef patties, and don't fiddle with them as they cook. Let the burgers cook on the first side, then flip them to the second side, and that's it!
Yes, sometimes! However, you can enjoy delicious homemade burgers without eggs. See the "how to make burgers stick together" section for more information.
There are two culprits that might not have anything to do with actually making the burger patties. Rather, it might be what you're doing after. 1) Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Burgers are rare when the internal temperature is at 120 degrees F.
2) Let burgers rest. Biting (or cutting) into a burger straight off of direct heat causes all the juices to run right out. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger.
Best ways to keep burgers from falling apart
- Refrain from over-handling or overpacking the meat when you shape it into patties.
- Place on a plate and cover with foil. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes before frying or grilling.
- Wait to flip the burger until it is cooked on the first side.
Best way to form patties
There are a few methods you can use, but this is my favorite way to make hamburger patties with one pound of meat. It'll make four quarter-pounders or eight thin patties.
- Split the meat mixture roughly into quarters. You can then split each quarter in half for thin patties if you prefer.
- Roll each section of meat gently between your hands until a ball shape forms.
- Flatten each ball of meat into a patty shape.
- Use the knuckle of your thumb to make an indentation in the center to prevent it from cooking into a dome.
- Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and chill.
However, if you're wondering how to make hamburger patties easily for a crowd, here are some other good ideas that will help you handle a lot of meat-without a lot of hassle.
- You can use a large ice cream scooper to divide the meat into equal portions quickly.
- Some people like to use a kitchen scale to weigh each portion of meat before rolling it into a patty. Just make sure to cover the scale with plastic wrap or use a bowl to prevent cross-contamination!
Once you've mastered making homemade patties, try these juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers when the weather keeps you indoors.
Looking for an easier way to form loads of burgers? A burger press can help! Plus, they'll look like restaurant burgers, too, which means more bragging rights for you!
Easy ways to season patties
Some people mix all their seasonings right along with the meat in a large bowl. However, if you want juicy hamburgers-and I mean the juiciest burgers ever-season them on the outside just before grilling.
You can use any seasonings you like when creating the burger of your dreams. Here are some popular choices to get you inspired:
- Coarse salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Montreal steak seasoning
- Paprika
- Brown sugar
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Chili powder
If you like to mix a little Worcestershire sauce and grated fresh onions into the hamburger patty mixture for an extra pop of flavor, that's great, too!
Just be careful not to add too much liquid, or the patties may fall apart.
Hamburger Temperature Guide
| Medium Rare | 130–135°F |
| Medium | 140–145°F |
| Medium Well | 150–155°F |
| Well Done | 160°F |
Ground beef should be cooked to 160°F according to USDA recommendations.
Equipment
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Tools to use for uniform-size patties
- If you're making your burger patties by hand, a large ice cream scoop will help keep them uniform in size.
- A burger press helps you form the burgers evenly.
- A silicone basting brush (love these bold colors) and spatula are a must.
- Cast iron skillet-enough said!
How to freeze hamburgers
The best homemade burgers make the best leftovers! Plus, you can freeze them raw or cooked which makes prep even easier. (Pro tip: frozen burgers are great cooked in an air fryer!)
How to freeze raw burgers
- Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Stack with parchment or wax paper between each burger.
- Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 4 months.
How to freeze cooked burgers
Let cooked burger patties first come to room temperature. Next, place them carefully in a freezer-safe storage container, wrap them individually in plastic, or stack them (separated with wax paper.)
Great burger recipes
How to Cook Frozen Hamburger Patties in the Oven - burgers never have been easier (or better!).
- Lipton Onion Soup Baked Burgers - all the flavor and so easy to make!
- Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers - have you guessed? I've never seen a burger I haven't loved.
- If you're looking for more great recipes, check this out for the BEST Frozen Hamburger Recipes.
Every good hamburger should be topped with a slather of Smashburger Sauce!
Life's too short to eat anything but the best burgers!
Great burgers don't need a long list of ingredients-just good beef, simple seasoning, and a few easy tricks. Fire up the grill, pile on your favorite toppings, and don't forget plenty of napkins because these juicy burgers are worth every delicious bite!
If you're new to grilling, learn how to season the grill here!
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