These Stove Top Burgers are easy to make, and simply seasoned to make a classic hamburger or cheeseburger, ready for all of your favorite toppings. I’ll bet your mouth is watering just looking at a picture of this juicy cheeseburger on a toasted brioche bun with all the fixings. And trust me, these hamburgers cooked on the stove using my versatile and easy recipe taste just as delectable as they look! Keep reading to learn exactly how to cook hamburgers on the stove that are juicy and flavorful. You’ll be making the best hamburgers and cheeseburgers in your trusty cast-iron skillet, every single time! If you really like cheeseburgers, be sure to check out my Juicy Lucy Burgers, which have the cheese stuffed inside of them before they’re cooked on the stove. You can also try making Hamburgers in the Air Fryer, or even Instant Pot Hamburgers if you’re looking for a burger recipe that is mostly hands-off.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Burgers are a go-to dinner recipe in my house because everyone loves them! In warmer months, I usually opt to cook them on the grill, but if it’s raining or cold outside, stove top burgers are just as juicy and amazing as grilled ones! Sometimes, I’ll even cook hamburgers on the stove in the summer just because it’s quicker and easier to do it that way. There’s no need to pre-heat or clean the grill, and clean-up is minimal as this recipe only requires one mixing bowl and one skillet. Plus, pan-fried burgers have the most delicious outer crust, just like you’d get from a restaurant cooking patties on a flat-top grill.
Ingredients In Stove top Burgers
My hamburger mixture may seem basic, but it’s meant to be this way. Minimal seasonings mean that these burgers are meaty and delicious, plus you can add your own favorite seasonings if you want to.
Ground Beef: For the best stovetop burgers, choose lean fresh ground chuck that is 20% fat, often labeled as 80/20. Ideally, choose ground chuck rather than ground round or ground sirloin for burger patties. This cut will give you the best flavor and texture due to the marbling in the chuck roast. Salt and Pepper: For a classic hamburger, this is all the seasoning you need to add! Rolls: I love to enjoy hamburgers on toasted brioche buns, but feel free to use your favorites. Toppings: Here’s where you can really make these burgers perfect for your family. Slices of American Cheese, grilled onions, sliced tomatoes, and crispy lettuce are my favorites. I’ll share an easy recipe for a tangy and creamy burger sauce too!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Cook Hamburgers on the Stove
Recipe Tips
To shape the patties: Putting an indent in the center of each patty helps them to cook evenly and stay flat rather than puffed up when they’re cooked. Make the patties large enough to fill your buns: Aim to make each patty about ½ inch wider than your buns, as they will shrink as they cook. Cheese is optional, but always tasty! You can top your burgers with Swiss, cheddar, or any other type of cheese that you like. Avoid overmixing the hamburger mixture. The texture will be best if the meat is just combined with the seasonings. I like to use my hands to do this part. Check the doneness of the burgers using a cooking thermometer inserted into the center of each patty. For a low carb meal, skip the buns and serve your burgers wrapped in lettuce leaves instead!
What Temperature Should Burgers Be Cooked To?
The FDA recommends that hamburgers are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C (well-done, and no longer pink). At this temperature, there is no risk of harmful bacteria surviving. You can choose to cook your burger to a lower temperature, but be sure to use very fresh beef.
How Long Do You Cook Stove Top Burgers?
Wondering how long to cook burgers on the stove? Use this list as a guideline. Again, use a thermometer to check the temperature of your burgers to be sure.
Medium-Rare (130-135°F/57°C) – Cook for 3 minutes per side Medium (145°F/63°C) – Cook for 3-4 minutes per side Medium-Well (150-155°F/68°C) – Cook for 4-5 minutes per side Well-Done (160°F/71°C) – Cook for 5 minutes per side
How to Toast Hamburger Buns
Butter the buns, then toast them in a skillet or broil them until lightly golden brown. The butter helps to seal the bread so that it won’t get soggy under your toppings.
Easy Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe
Just like fast food restaurants everywhere, you can make your own “special sauce” to go on your stove top burgers. Simply mix together ¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sweet relish, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of honey, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This tasty sauce can be enjoyed right away or stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Storing and Reheating Tips for Stovetop Burgers
Let your burgers cool to room temperature after cooking. Then store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I enjoy leftover hamburgers for lunch, cold, added to a salad with ranch dressing, or in a wrap with mayo or burger sauce, lettuce, and tomato. To reheat stored burgers, warm them in a skillet on the stovetop. If needed, add a bit of water to the pan and cover it with a lid so that they don’t dry out or overcook.
How to Freeze Burger Patties
Once cooked, you can wrap each cooled patty with foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Keep them this way in the freezer for up to 3 months. I don’t suggest freezing cheeseburgers though. Wait to add the cheese until you’re ready to eat them!
What To Serve With Stove Top Hamburgers
These tasty burgers are perfect with a side of Homemade French Fries! You can also make things easier and whip up some Air Fryer Tater Tots, or try my recipe for creamy homemade Stovetop Mac and Cheese. Now you know how to make the best hamburgers on the stove, and you’ll be ready to serve these tasty burgers any time! Save this recipe for the next time you need an easy dinner recipe that will wow your family! © Little Sunny Kitchen
