Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You can make it YOURS. Over the years, we’ve made smash burgers together and classic cheeseburgers, but this recipe pares it all down to the simplest, best burger recipe possible so you can make one perfect burger, and then make it your own way! Add cheese, or don’t. Add toppings, or keep it very simple. Once you’ve made this perfect patty, the rest is up you!
- It’s all about simplicity when it comes to making a homemade burger patty. I’ve added just a few key ingredients to keep the beef the star of the show and increase its natural meaty, juicy, umami goodness.
- It’s flexible. I’ve included instructions for grilling the patty, because that’s my favorite way to cook a burger. But you can easily make these on a stovetop or in a grill pan.
Homemade Burger Patty Ingredients
- Ground beef: The best burgers are made with 80/20 (meaning 20% fat) beef, which is the key to a truly juicy and never dry burger. 90/10 burgers will always be a bit dry, IMO.
- Garlic powder: Why not fresh garlic? Because powder is best here! It will meld into the meat, adding only flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: I almost always add a dash of Worcestershire to beef recipes and burgers are no exception! It’s a way to dial up the beefy flavor, and a little is all you need.
- Mustard powder: The little yellow tin of mustard powder, Colman’s is the most recognizable brand. It adds a hint of a kick, but is also very subtle.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t cook without it!
How To Make The Best Burger
- Use your hands to mix the meat. Why? Because you do not want to overmix the beef or you’ll risk making the burgers tough. Gentle touch is key!
- Form 6 patties. Try to make them even in size and thickness, so that they cook evenly, too.
- Grill the burgers! I put the patties right on the grill, they’re fatty enough that you don’t need to oil it (or them).
- They’re done when you think they are! If you like a rare burger, pull them off when their internal temperature reaches 125°F! Or, if you’re a medium-rare burger person (like me!) wait until you see 135°F. Want them well done? Go further!
- Dress up your burger however you like!
How To Serve The Best Burgers
Now the fun part! Topping my burger is one of my favorite moments of all dinner moments. Sometimes I like to go all out and top it with everything under the sun, sometimes I keep it simple and just enjoy the patty itself! Here are a few of my favorite burger toppings.
- With burger sauce. My “secret” recipe!
- Topped with lots of caramelized onions
- With cheese to make it a cheeseburger. Call me crazy but sometimes I opt for blue cheese.
- Sautéed mushrooms (like a patty melt) are never a bad idea.
- Guacamole! One of my forever favorite burger toppings.
- Toast the buns if you like a little crispness in your burger, or leave them squishy. I think burger buns are often overlooked! Spring for really good ones, and you’ll do your burger patty proud.
More Of My Best Burger Recipes
Burgers, burgers and more burgers (plus other stuff)
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