How to Grill Burgers: With Temp and Time Guide

Grilling season is here, and there’s something about firing up a grill in the backyard that captures that summer vibe. A classic grilling party wouldn’t be complete without burgers, a staple of the traditional family cookouts. As an American, I can’t think of anything better than sinking my teeth into a juicy, smoky burger. Yet, despite their popularity, grilling the perfect burger is not an easy feat. We’ve all had those dry, flavorless patties that bare deserve the name “burger.” If you’re gearing up for a grilling session, you’re in luck! I’ve got a mouthwatering grilled burger recipe that you won’t want to miss, including a temperature and time guide to help you grill burgers perfectly every time.

Charcoal Vs. Gas Grill

While gas grills are undoubtedly the quickest and most convenient option, as you don’t have to wait for the charcoal to light before you start cooking, I personally lean towards charcoal grilling. The reason is simple - charcoal grills impart a rich, smoky flavor that gas grills just can’t replicate. That said, a charcoal grill does come with its challenges, especially when it comes to temperature control, which can be a bit trickier for beginners. However, don’t fret if you only have a gas grill, you can still get some smoky flavor by using a smoker tube or box, as well as a cast iron charcoal grill pan.

What’s the Best Ground Beef for Burgers?

For a juicy, flavorful burger, don’t go for an all-lean patty. The fat is essential as it melts during grilling, keeping your burger moist and flavorful. I’ve tried a lot of fat-to-lean ratios, but 80/20 ground beef works best for grilled burgers, which means 80% lean beef and 20% fat.

Whatever you choose, buy fresh ground beef instead of frozen pre-made patties or sealed tubes. 80/20 ground beef in supermarkets is usually shoulder ground, and if you can’t find it or it’s out of stock, you can even ask the butcher to grind it fresh for you.

How to Season Burgers?

Remember, when it comes to seasoning burgers, less is more. I usually stick to a simple blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper. As long as you use fresh, high-quality ground beef with the fat-to-lean ratio I recommend, your burgers will naturally be full of beefy and smoky flavor. If you’re looking to add a little extra kick, consider incorporating spices like garlic powder, diced onions, oregano, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

In addition, the timing of seasoning can have a big impact on the final burger. For even and uniform seasoning, mix the salt, black pepper and other spices into the beef before forming patties. But don't over-mix it, as this can make the burgers fall apart when you eat them. Also, it is best to start seasoning right before grilling, otherwise the salt will absorb the moisture in the meat and cause the burgers to be dry.

If you want to prepare the patties in advance, you can sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the patties before grilling, but this can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Plus, if you want to add spices like diced onions or herbs to your patties, this method can be not that practical.

How to Grill Burgers?

Well, having prepared so much, let’s get down to business – cook burgers on the grill.

Step 1: Form the patties

Gently shape the seasoned ground beef into evenly sized balls with your hands, place them on a cutting board or baking sheet, and use your palms to press them into patties about 3/4 to 1 inch thick and at least as wide as your burger buns. Then, use your thumb or a spoon to press an indentation in the center of each patty, which prevents the patties from puffing up too much while grilling.

After shaping, refrigerator the patties for 30 minutes. This helps the fat firm up a bit, ensuring your burgers stay juicy and won’t dry out too quickly on the grill.

Step 2: Preheat your grill

Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, preheat it to medium-high, around 450°F. Make sure you have a high- and low-temperature cooking zone on your grill so that you can move the burgers if oil drips and sparks a flame. Lightly brush the grill with olive or canola oil, and once the oil begins to smoke, you’ll know the grill is prepared.

Step 3: Grill Burgers

Insert a meat thermometer horizontally into the center of a patty, which is the key to ensuring that the burgers are cooked just right. Once your grill is ready, place the patties on it with the indentation-side up. When they come off the grill easily, it’s time for the first flip. You can then feel free to flip them as often as you want for even cooking, but never press down on the burgers with spatula, as this can squeeze out the juices.

Step 4: Finish the Burgers

If you’re making cheeseburgers, place it on the burgers during the last minute of grilling, allowing it to melt. Meanwhile, butter the bottoms of the buns and grill them on the low heat zone until golden brown. Once your burgers reach the desired temperature, take them off the grill immediately. Then, without letting them rest, assemble them with your favorite toppings for the most delicious, juicy, smoky-flavored burgers.  

How Long to Grill Burgers: Temp and Time Guide

Every grill temperature and burger size varies, so the times below are only rough estimates. Temperature is more reliable than time, which is why having a meat thermometer, especially a wireless meat thermometer like INKBIRD INT-21-B is essential. Beef is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, and the wireless one can stay in the meat to constantly monitor the internal temperature, ensuring perfect cooking.

Note: If you're concerned about food safety, especially with ground beef that can introduce more bacteria than original cuts, you can follow the USDA's guideline of cooking ground beef to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any harmful bacteria.

Can You Grill Frozen Burgers?

Yes, you can definitely grill frozen burgers, even if it's not the best option.

To grill frozen burgers, place them directly on the preheated grill without thawing. Use a lower heat than you would for fresh burgers. This will give them time to cook through without burning on the outside. And, expect it to take longer - about twice as long as fresh burgers. Frozen burgers can lose some flavor, so season them generously. And as always, use a meat thermometer to check that they’re cooked all the way through.