Are grilled hamburgers healthy?

Grilled hamburgers can be part of a balanced diet. They are a great source of protein, iron, and Vitamin B12. However, they can be high in saturated fat and sodium. To make them healthier, choose leaner ground beef (like 90/10), use a whole wheat bun, and load up on fresh vegetable toppings.

What's the best ground beef for burgers?

80/20 ground chuck is widely considered the best for juicy, flavorful burgers. The 20% fat content ensures the patty stays moist during grilling. Leaner blends like 90/10 can be used for a healthier option but may result in a drier burger.

How do I know when my burger is cooked without cutting it open?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For ground beef, the USDA recommends a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for well-done. For other levels of doneness: Medium-Rare is 130-135°F, Medium is 140-145°F, and Medium-Well is 150-155°F.

Why did my burgers shrink so much?

Burgers naturally shrink as the fat renders and moisture evaporates during cooking. This is normal, especially with higher-fat ground beef. Forming the patties slightly larger than the bun helps ensure a good fit after grilling.

Can I cook these burgers on a stovetop?

Yes, you can cook them in a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, following the same instructions for cheese and buns.

Home / Recipes / american / Grilled Hamburgers

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Grilled Hamburgers

RATING

4.6/5(187)

TASTE SCORE

10/10

Juicy, perfectly grilled beef patties with a beautiful char, served on toasted buns with all your favorite toppings. This quintessential American classic is perfect for summer barbecues and ready in under 30 minutes.

PREP

15m

COOK

10m

SERVES

1 PIECE

745 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

5 steps. 10 minutes total.

5 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Preheat Grill and Prepare Toppings
- b.Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C).
- c.While the grill heats, prepare all your toppings. Wash and slice the lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Set them aside with pickles and condiments for easy assembly.
2
Step 2
- a.Form the Burger Patties
- b.Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz or 170g each).
- c.Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Make the patty slightly wider than your hamburger buns, as it will shrink during cooking.
- d.Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty. This prevents the burger from puffing up and ensures it cooks evenly.
3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Patties
- b.Once the grill is hot, clean the grates with a grill brush. Lightly oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil, holding it with tongs.
- c.Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper right before placing them on the grill.
- d.Place the patties on the hot grill, dimple-side up. Grill for 4-5 minutes on the first side until browned and grill marks appear.
- e.Flip the burgers and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium doneness. For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4
Step 4
- a.Melt Cheese and Toast Buns
- b.During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty to allow it to melt.
- c.At the same time, place the hamburger buns, cut-side down, on a cooler part of the grill or the upper rack. Toast for 30-60 seconds until they are lightly golden and warm.
5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Remove the patties and buns from the grill. Let the patties rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- c.Assemble your burgers. Place a patty on the bottom bun, then layer with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Add ketchup and mustard, place the top bun on, and serve immediately.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For the juiciest burgers, use 80/20 ground chuck. The 20% fat content ensures a moist and flavorful patty.
2
Handle the ground beef as little as possible when forming patties. Overworking the meat can make the burgers tough.
3
The dimple in the center is key! It prevents the patty from swelling into a ball and ensures it cooks evenly.
4
Season the patties with salt and pepper right before they go on the grill. Salting too early can draw out moisture and make the meat dense.
5
Resist the urge to press down on the burgers with your spatula. This forces out the flavorful juices and can lead to a dry burger.
6
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the burger. 160°F (71°C) is the recommended safe temperature for ground beef.
7
Toasting the buns is a crucial step. It adds flavor and texture, and prevents them from getting soggy from the burger juices and toppings.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Meat

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly as leaner meats cook faster.

Cheese

Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, or blue cheese instead of American cheese.

Toppings

Get creative with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, avocado, jalapeños, or a fried egg.

Vegetarian

For a vegetarian option, use a firm plant-based burger patty like those made from black beans, mushrooms, or soy protein. Grill according to package directions.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Rich in Protein

Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.

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Source of Iron

This recipe provides a significant amount of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.

vitamin

Provides B Vitamins

Beef is a natural source of several B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function and the formation of DNA and red blood cells.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A classic grilled hamburger with an 80/20 beef patty, cheese, and a standard bun has approximately 500-700 calories, depending on the specific toppings and condiments used.

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Grilled Hamburgers

For 4 servings

5 steps. 10 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

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