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Looking for the best burger recipes? This collection includes everything from classic beef burgers to juicy chicken and turkey burgers, plus a few fun twists. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, and summer barbecues.
Tips for Making the Best Burgers
Here are a few simple tips that can help you make juicy, flavorful burgers every time.
- Choose the right meat: For beef burgers, an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio gives the best flavor and keeps the patties juicy.
- Don’t overwork the meat: Mix and shape the patties just until combined to keep them tender.
- Make a small indentation: Press a small dent into the center of each patty to help it cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up.
- Avoid pressing the burgers: Don’t flatten the patties with a spatula while they cook, as this releases the flavorful juices.
- Let them rest: Let the burgers sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps keep them tender and juicy.
- Toast the buns: A lightly toasted bun adds flavor and helps prevent it from getting soggy.
Best Burger Toppings
Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles are always a great choice, while avocado, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and fried onions add even more flavor. Finish your burger with your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack, or blue cheese, and don’t forget a generous spread of your favorite homemade burger sauce.
Burger Cooking Temperatures
Not sure when your burger is done? For the best results, use a meat thermometer and follow this guide to your preferred burger doneness.
- Medium Rare – 130 to 135°F
- Medium – 140 to 145°F
- Medium Well – 150 to 155°F
- Well Done – 160°F
Burgers are one of those meals I never get tired of making. Whether we’re grilling outside in the summer or cooking on the stovetop during the colder months, they’re always a family favorite. Over the years, I’ve shared everything from classic beef burgers to lighter chicken and turkey options, and this collection includes some of my favorite recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Smash Burger Tacos
Flying Dutchman Burger
Salmon Burgers
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Burgers
Vegan Black Bean Burgers
Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers
Classic Homemade Hamburger
What to Serve with Burgers
- Dill Pickle Potato salad
- Caprese Pasta salad
- Healthy Coleslaw
- Mexican Street Corn
- Grilled Potatoes
- Sweet potato fries
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Classic Macaroni salad
Common Questions
For classic beef burgers, 80/20 ground beef is the best choice. It has enough fat to keep the burgers juicy and flavorful without being too greasy. If you’re making chicken or turkey burgers, adding ingredients like grated onion or Greek yogurt can help keep them moist.
Yes! Shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture, season them just before cooking.
Absolutely. Place parchment paper between each patty and store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Yes! Most burger recipes can be cooked on an outdoor grill, a grill pan, a cast-iron skillet, or a nonstick skillet. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of the patties and your cooking method.
The recommended safe internal temperature for ground beef, chicken, and turkey burgers is 160°F (71°C). Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Burger Bun Ideas
Not sure what buns to use? Here are some options to consider:
- Brioche buns
- Potato buns
- Pretzel buns
- Whole wheat buns
- Lettuce wraps
- English muffins
- Ciabatta rolls
Make Ahead Tips
- Shape the patties ahead of time: Form the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate them in a single layer or with parchment paper between each patty.
- Season before cooking: For the juiciest burgers, wait to season the outside of the patties until just before they go on the grill or skillet.
- Freeze for later: Arrange uncooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container with parchment paper between each patty. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight: For the best texture, thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If cooking from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate cooked burgers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer.
How to Build the Perfect Burger
- Toast the bun.
- Spread your favorite sauce on both halves.
- Add lettuce to protect the bun from moisture.
- Place the burger patty on top.
- Add cheese while the patty is still hot.
- Finish with tomatoes, onions, pickles, avocado, or bacon (if using).
More Recipe Roundups
- Chicken Meal Prep Recipes
- Easy Beef Recipes
- Summer BBQ Sides
- Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Healthy Taco Recipes
Thanks for stopping by and trying one of my recipes. If you enjoyed it, please leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments. It really helps, and I love hearing from you
