How to Make a Perfect Burger

Grill burgers like a pro with these simple steps from Food Network.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

May 21, 2015

Related To:

Grill Better Burgers

Here are tips for cooking the best possible burgers in your own backyard.

Start With the Right Beef

The best burgers are made from freshly ground, high-grade chuck beef in an 80/20 mix. Spread the beef out flat and season with salt and pepper. Toss together gently.

BUY IT: McCormick Salt and Pepper Grinders: Amazon, $9.19

Making the Patties

Grab 5 to 6 ounces of meat and lightly toss from hand to hand forming a ball.

BUY IT: Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan: Amazon, $23.95 for 2

Pat It Into a Disk

The patty should be at least as wide as your bun and about 3/4- to 1-inch thick.

BUY IT: Arnold Hamburger Buns: Amazon, $3.79

Perfect Burger Secret Tip

Make a divot in the middle of the burger with your thumb to help it keep its shape while cooking. These burgers can be made ahead and chilled in the fridge.

Get Grilling

Preheat the grill to medium or medium high over direct heat. Oil the grate and then put the burgers on the grill and let them be. Cover the grill.

BUY IT: Weber Charcoal Grill: Amazon, $176

Time to Flip

It's time to flip when the burger releases from the grate without sticking.

BUY IT: OXO Stainless Steel Turner: Amazon, $8.99

Doneness?

For medium burgers, cook for about 5 minutes per side. For well-done, go a little longer.

BUY IT: Polder Kitchen Timer: Amazon, $14.99

Toppings

To add cheese, move the burgers to the cooler side of the grill, top with cheese and cover the grill for a minute to let the cheese melt. Add other toppings and serve.

BUY IT: Kraft Singles American Cheese: Amazon, $4.99

Grilled Cajun Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Churro Loaf Cake

Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

Breakfast Burgers

Grilled Lemonade Chicken

On Tonight

Restaurant: Impossible

The Great Food Truck Race

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

The Pioneer Woman

The Kitchen

Girl Meets Farm

Kardea Brown

Ree Drummond

Ina Garten

Sunny Anderson

Bobby Flay

Valerie Bertinelli

Guy Fieri

Giada De Laurentiis

Molly Yeh

Step-by-Step Tutorials

Browse Meal Plans

Catfish Fingers and Butter Bean Salad with Hot Sauce Vinaigrette

Broccolini and Provolone Grinders with Hot Pepper Mayo

Veggie Scrap Crackers

Encore: Sunny's Easy Ooey Gooey Jalapeno Popper Dip

Encore: 15-Minute Stir-Fried Steak Tacos

Strawberry Punch

Try Premium

Grilled Dinners for Two

This Week's Dinners