Are you craving a juicy, perfectly cooked burger but don’t want to fire up the grill? Look no further – we’ve got you covered with this easy guide on how to cook a delicious burger right on your stove.
First things first, choose the right meat or veggie patty that suits your taste buds. Then, season it to perfection with your favorite spices and herbs.
Shape your patty for even cooking and preheat your stove-top pan. To prevent sticking, add some oil or butter before placing the patty on the pan.
While it’s cooking, toast your burger buns for added crunchiness.
Next comes the fun part – assembling your burger with all the toppings of your choice! Lettuce, tomato, cheese – get creative and make it yours.
Finally, serve up your masterpiece and savor every bite of that homemade goodness.
So why wait? Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe even some friends) with this easy stove-top burger recipe.
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What’s in this Hamburger Recipe?
Making delicious burgers on the stove is a breeze, requiring only a handful of ingredients and just 20 minutes of your time. The star of the show is ground beef, and from there, you have the creative freedom to choose your cheese, toppings, and seasonings. This burger recipe has become a personal favorite for its simplicity and adaptability.
For the perfect burger patty, opt for ground chuck with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. Keep the seasoning straightforward with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or venture into the realm of flavor by adding garlic and onion powder, paprika, or your preferred burger seasoning blend.
When it comes to cheese, a classic American or cheddar slice is an excellent choice for crafting delectable cheeseburgers. However, feel free to experiment with alternatives like pepper jack or swiss. If you’re in the mood for a plain hamburger, skip the cheese altogether.
Select your preferred hamburger buns for serving; brioche buns can elevate the experience, but any type will do the trick. The fun part begins with toppings—pile on lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, caramelized onions, sweet relish, or any other favorites you have on hand.
Enhance the flavor profile with condiments of your choice, whether it’s mayo, mustard, ketchup, burger sauce, relish, or a combination that suits your taste buds. With this stove-top burger recipe, you have the flexibility to customize each element, making it a simple yet versatile option for a satisfying meal.
How long do you cook burgers on the stove? (medium-rare to well-done)
Whether you prefer your burgers medium-rare or well-done, below are the recommended internal temperatures and corresponding cooking times for each side and overall when preparing them in a skillet.
Burger Cooking Guide
| Doneness | Color | Internal Temp | Cook Time (per side) | Cook Time (total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium-Rare | Red in the middle | 130-135°F | 3 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Medium | Pink in the middle | 145°F | 3-4 minutes | 7-8 minutes |
| Medium-Well | Smidge of pink | 150-155°F | 4-5 minutes | 9 minutes |
| Well-Done | No pink | 160-165°F | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
FAQ’s.
How do you season burger patties?
Combine salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings directly into a mixing bowl containing the ground chuck. Gently mix the ingredients until the seasoning is evenly distributed, being cautious not to overwork the mixture. Consider incorporating additional flavorings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, or oregano for an extra layer of taste.
What’s the internal temperature for burgers?
Grill your burgers to an internal temperature ranging from 135°F to 160°F, tailored to your desired level of doneness.
How do I make a cheeseburger on the stovetop?
Transforming a hamburger into a cheeseburger is a breeze—just place a slice of cheese on top of the freshly cooked burger patty. Take the pan off the heat, cover it with a lid, and let the residual heat generate steam to melt the cheese.
Can you cook frozen burger patties on the stove?
I advise against cooking burgers directly from frozen on the stovetop. Instead, it’s preferable to defrost the patties in the refrigerator before proceeding with the cooking process.
How thick should a burger patty be?
I suggest crafting burger patties with a thickness of approximately 1 inch. If the patty is too thick, there’s a risk of it becoming dry and crispy on the outside before achieving full cooking through to the center.
How do you shape burger patties?
Blend the seasonings with the ground chuck, then divide the mixture into four equal portions. Using your hands, gently shape each portion into a round patty; perfection is not necessary.
Is it better to cook burgers in butter or oil?
Butter adds a richer flavor and imparts a more traditional pan-fried result, while oil is also an excellent alternative. Choose based on your preference and ingredient availability.
How can you tell when a burger is done cooking?
I suggest employing an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking by checking the internal temperature at the center of each patty. This ensures accurate assessment and guarantees thorough cooking.
How to Store and Reheat?
After cooking, allow the burgers to cool to room temperature. Store them in a resealable bag, an airtight container, or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For optimal results when reheating, use a non-stick pan on the stovetop until the burgers are thoroughly heated. Consider adding approximately 3 tablespoons of water to the pan to generate steam, preventing the patties from drying out.
How to Freeze Burger Patties?
To freeze homemade burger patties, allow them to cool completely. It is advisable to individually wrap each patty with aluminum foil and then place them collectively in a freezer-safe, resealable bag. Freeze for up to three months.
When preparing to reheat, ensure thorough defrosting in the refrigerator before proceeding with the reheating process.
What to Serve with Burgers?
Enhance your stovetop burger experience with delectable side dishes! While classic French fries are a personal favorite, feel free to explore alternatives like baked sweet potato fries, shoestring fries, parmesan potato wedges, or zucchini fries.
Alternatively, consider preparing corn on the cob, homemade coleslaw, air-fried tater tots, BBQ baked beans, baked potatoes, corn casserole, or any other classic BBQ sides to complement your perfect stovetop burgers.
Burger Ingredients
| Ingredients | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Chuck | 1 pound, 80%-85% lean |
| Kosher or Sea Salt | To taste |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| American or Cheddar Cheese | 4 slices |
| Burger Buns | 4 |
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place 1 pound of ground chuck and sprinkle with kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently mix the ingredients, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the meat into four equal portions. Take one portion and gently press it into a 1-inch thick, round patty, leaving some craggy edges and avoiding excessive flattening. Use your thumb or fingers to create a ¼-½ inch “moat” around the circumference, ensuring the edge is slightly higher than the indentation. This helps the burger flatten evenly during cooking. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet without greasing. Ensure there’s some space between each patty. Cook until the burgers are nicely seared, with browning halfway up the sides.
- Flip the burgers and cook to your desired level of doneness. (Note: The FDA recommends cooking burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.)
- If adding cheese, remove the pan from heat, place the cheese on top of the burgers, cover the skillet, and let the residual heat and steam melt the cheese.
- Serve the burgers on toasted buns, topped with your favorite condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Enhance with toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
- Enjoy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting the perfect stovetop burgers involves a thoughtful process. Start by combining ground chuck with a sprinkle of kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a gentle mix without overworking the meat. Dividing the mixture into four equal portions, shape each into a distinctive, 1-inch thick patty with craggy edges and a strategic “moat” for even cooking.
As you sizzle the patties in a hot skillet, allowing for a nice sear and browning, follow the FDA’s recommendation to achieve a safe internal temperature of 160°F for thorough cooking. For those opting for a cheesy finish, the addition of American or Cheddar Cheese, covered and left to melt through residual heat, adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Serve your masterfully crafted burgers on toasted buns, generously adorned with favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Elevate the experience further with toppings such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, red onion, and tangy pickles. This meticulous process culminates in a delectable burger experience, ensuring satisfaction with every flavorful bite. Enjoy the culinary delight you’ve created!
