How to Grill Juicy Beef Burgers with a Perfect Smoky Char Every Time

There are few things more satisfying than a perfectly grilled burger. When done right, it's a juicy, smoky, and flavorful masterpiece with a beautiful, crusty char. But achieving that perfection can be tricky. This guide will walk you through the simple, foolproof steps to grilling a juicy beef burger that has a flawless smoky char and will have everyone asking for your secret.

The secret to a great burger isn't in a long list of ingredients; it's in the technique. With a few simple tips, you can transform a humble ground beef patty into the kind of burger you'd find at a high-end restaurant.

Perfectly Grilled Beef Burgers

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8-12 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted

  • Your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties

  1. Don't Overwork the Meat: In a large bowl, gently break up the ground beef with your hands. Add the salt and pepper and mix very lightly. Overworking the meat will make the burgers tough.

  2. Form Patties: Divide the meat into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about 1-inch thick and slightly wider than your bun.

  3. Create a Dimple: Press a dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb. This will prevent the burgers from puffing up and becoming round as they cook.

2. Preheat the Grill

  1. High Heat: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to high heat.1 The grates should be clean and hot to prevent sticking and to create a perfect sear.

3. Grill the Burgers

  1. Place on Grill: Carefully place the patties on the hot grill grates. Do not press down on the burgers with a spatula; this will squeeze out the juices.

  2. Grill First Side: Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until you have a beautiful, deep-brown crust on the bottom. The burger will release easily from the grate when it's ready to flip.

  3. Flip: Flip the burgers and grill for another 4-6 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.

  4. Add Cheese: If adding cheese, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of grilling.2

  5. Toast Buns: During the last minute of cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill.

4. Assemble and Serve

  1. Rest: Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute.

  2. Assemble: Place the juicy burger on a toasted bun. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Burger

  • The Right Meat: An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for a juicy burger.3 The fat is what provides the moisture and flavor.

  • The Dimple Trick: The thumbprint in the center of the patty is a simple but effective way to ensure your burger stays flat and even while cooking.

  • Don't Press the Patties: It's tempting to press the burgers down on the grill, but don't do it! This action squeezes out the delicious juices and will result in a dry burger.

  • Know Your Doneness: The best way to know if your burger is done is with an instant-read thermometer.

    • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)4

    • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)

    • Medium-Well: 150-155°F (65-68°C)5

  • Toppings are Key: While the burger is the star, the toppings are what complete the experience. Don't be afraid to get creative with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and veggies.