Learn the best techniques and tips for grilling hamburgers to perfection. Find out how long to cook burgers on the grill, no matter the size of your patties and desired internal temperature.
Grilling burgers certainly isn’t complicated, but this complete guide will make them even easier and more delicious than you’ve ever had them!
Burgers are a classic comfort food, and now they’re easier than ever. Let’s learn how to grill burgers that everyone will love!
This post was originally published May 21, 2014 and updated with fresh photos and content October 6, 2021.
There’s just something about a classic, juicy burger, isn’t there? It’s the easiest summertime food – but honestly, we eat burgers all year long!
We’ve chatted a bit about hamburgers in the past, including the most incredible gourmet burger topping combination and so much more. I’ve got so much inspiration for fabulous burgers!
I’ve written about burgers a lot – can you blame me? I’ve got a complete All American Burger Guide, How to Cook Burgers on the Stove, What to Serve with Burgers, and so many more.
While we certainly eat lots of burgers in the summer, we love them all year round. In fact, here in the Midwest we tend to grill well into the fall, as they temps are just so pleasant.
Grilling burgers is one of the easiest things you can do for dinner. However, it’s easy to take this classic meal and turn it up a few notches with a few of my favorite tips. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
Why You’ll love Grilling Hamburgers
- The high heat locks in juices
- So quick and easy
- Perfect for customizing for family or a crowd
- Great for summer grilling, game day, or any day!
Grilled Burger Ingredients
- Ground Chuck – 80/20 is what we tend to choose for burgers. The higher fat content ensures a more moist burger after grilling.
- Egg Yolk – Adds moisture to your burgers and helps bind the meat mixture.
- Olive Oil – This traps a little extra moisture into your burgers! The additional oil creates a fabulously juicy finish.
- Minced Garlic – Buy the pre-minced garlic in the produce section of your local grocer. You can also mince fresh garlic cloves, but this is an easy shortcut.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper – perfect spicy finish.
How to Grill Burgers in Five Simple Steps
Step by step, I’m walking you through the process! Don’t forget to note all the internal temperatures you’ll aim for in the “how long to cook burgers on the grill” section below!
- preheat grill to 450 degrees or medium high.
- brush patties with oil and pepper.
- place burger patties onto direct heat – do not press down.
- flip after 3-5 minutes or halfway through.
- add cheese when there is just 1 minute remaining and close the lid to melt it
Allow your grilled burgers to rest for three minutes (tent to keep warm).
How Long to Cook Burgers on Grill
For large burger patties, you’ll cook for approximately seven minutes over medium heat.
- rare 4 minutes 125
- med rare 5-6 minutes 135
- medium 6-7 minutes 145
- well done 8-9 mins 160
Looking for a complete guide to meat temperatures? This free complete printable meat temperature chart is such a handy tool. And speaking of tools, don’t skip my favorite digital meat thermometer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Grill the patties over direct medium-high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked through (or to your desired doneness), turning just once.
Salt removes water from the meat and dissolves some of the proteins, which can create a less tender burger. Ideally, salt your burgers just as they hit the grill or pan, or just after, but don’t add salt as you’re making the patties.
Grilled Burger Tips
- Grilled burgers are not the place to save on fat. Choose a higher fat ground beef for your grilled burgers, because they do render quite a bit through the grill grates while cooking. We like 80/20 for our grilled burgers.
- Keep the patties cold. In fact, as you mix the beef mixture and form the patties, touch them as little as possible.
- Don’t add salt to your meat mixture as you make your burger patties. You can get the flavor while maintaining tenderness by adding the sea salt to formed patties just before or after cooking them.
- Handle the meat as little as possible. Ideally, you’ll flip the grilled burgers just once.
- Don’t press down with your spatula- this forces the juices from the meat instead of locking them in.
- Let the burgers rest for 2-3 minutes (tent to keep warm) after you remove them from the grill. Again, this helps to lock the juices inside.
- Toasted Burger Buns are excellent for throwing on the grill, too!
Toppings
Classic grilled burgers are of course served with cheese, onions, tomatoes and more! However, there are so many fun options to experiment with in your burgers. Try any of these ideas for an out-of-this-world grilled burger you’ll crave.
- Pesto Aioli
- Homemade Mayonnaise
- Truffle Aioli
- Creamy Jalapeño Dip
- Bacon Jam
- Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese
- Boursin Cheese
- Caramelized Onions
What to Serve with Burgers
For a complete guide on what to serve with burgers, click through. Here’s a few of my favorite ideas!
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Keto Friendly (eliminating bun, of course)
I’d love to hear from you! Does your family love burgers as much as we do? Be sure to come back and leave a rating and review if you try these delicious grilled burgers!
More Burger Inspiration
- Juicy Sliders
- Burger Seasoning
- How to Make Burgers in the Oven
- Set up a Burger Bar for entertaining
- The Best Burger Patties
How to Grill Burgers
Ingredients
Instructions
- preheat grill to 450 degrees or medium high
- brush patties with oil and pepper
- place burger patties onto direct heat – do not press down
- flip after 3-5 minutes or halfway through
- add cheese when there is just 1 minute remaining and close the lid to melt it
Julie’s Tips
- Grilled burgers are not the place to save on fat. Choose a higher fat ground beef for your grilled burgers, because they do render quite a bit through the grill grates while cooking. We like 80/20 for our grilled burgers.
- Keep the patties cold. In fact, as you mix the beef mixture and form the patties, touch them as little as possible.
- Be cautious with adding too much salt (or simply wait until after cooking your burgers) as it can draw the moisture out of the meat.
- Handle the meat as little as possible while cooking too. Ideally, flip the patties just once.
- Do not press down with your grilling spatula- this forces the juices from the meat instead of locking them in.
- Let the burgers rest for 2-3 minutes (tent to keep warm) after you remove them from the grill. Again, this helps to lock the juices inside.
How Long to Cook Burgers on Grill
For large burger patties, you’ll cook for approximately seven minutes over medium heat. These are the temperatures to aim for if you’re using a meat thermometer.- rare 4 minutes 125
- med rare 5-6 minutes 135
- medium 6-7 minutes 145
- well done 8-9 mins 160
Video
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
