This is for all you burger enthusiasts out there. After all, hamburgers are America’s favorite food. So I am going to show you how to make the best cast iron burger recipe using just a few key ingredients!
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Cast Iron skillet burgers
Before we begin, let me just say as popular as a good old-fashioned cheeseburger is, there is nothing quite like the satisfaction of making one yourself.
Choosing your favorite spices and hand pattied just the way you like it makes it the perfect start to any weekend backyard bbq!
Making a frozen, pre-pattied burger in a cast iron skillet is one thing, but making a thick, juicy, perfectly seasoned, hand-patted burger in a cast iron skillet is an art.
There is nothing quite like sitting down to a big ol’ juicy skillet burger and some homemade fries.
I have been making burgers in a cast iron skillet for a long time. We unapologetically love a good juicy lucy burger and double bacon elk burgers. And for all you hunters out there, we even make some delicious venison burgers.
So sure, we make burgers in every way imaginable. Some were better than others, but in the end, it’s hard to mess up a homemade hamburger.
Why you will love this burger recipe
This stovetop burger recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and simple steps. No complicated techniques or lengthy prep time is needed!
Cleanup is a breeze. Since we are using a cast iron skillet, it’s easy to wipe clean and maintain its seasoning.
If you love a juicy, flavorful burger that will leave you craving more, you’ll enjoy making this hassle-free recipe time and again!
How to Cook the Perfect Burger
To begin, gather all your ingredients. For this recipe, we’ll be using 2 pounds of ground beef. Don’t be shy about getting the good stuff – it’s worth it!
Gather the ingredients.
Once you have your ground beef, it’s time to enhance its flavors. I have gone through the burger seasoning spices from our local grocery store, dry rubs, and even used the dry rub from our backstrap recipe before finally settling on this recipe.
In addition to your favorite ground beef, you will simply need sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix the ingredients
Now, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. First, mix all the ingredients together, ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Take care not to overmix, as it can result in tougher patties.
Shape your burger patties.
Next, it’s time to shape those patties. Grab a handful of the seasoned ground beef and gently form it into a ball. Once you have your ball, press it down into a patty shape, about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
I usually get 4 patties per pound of meat.
Pro tip #1: make a small indent in the middle of each patty. This little trick helps the burger cook evenly, preventing it from puffing up in the middle and giving you a nice, flat top for all your favorite fixings. 🙂
Cook your burger.
With your patties all prepped and ready to go, heat up your trusty cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. I use a 12″ and easily fit 4-5 patties on it.
Allow it to get nice and hot before adding your burgers. You want that sizzling sound when they hit the skillet – that way; it develops into a beautiful dark brown crust.
When ready, carefully place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes before flipping and continuing to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, depending on your preference.
If you like your burgers well done, cook them a little longer.
Pro tip #2: While your burgers are cooking, resist the urge to press down on them with a spatula. We want to keep those delicious juices sealed inside for maximum flavor.
Once your burgers are cooked, it’s time to assemble your favorite toppings!
The USDA recommends beef hamburger meat be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Topping your hamburger
Now, it’s time to assemble your homemade cast iron burger! Grab your favorite burger buns and load them up with all your favorite fixings. Check out the lists below for our favorite toppings and sauces.
Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Onions
- Jalapenos
- Bacon
- Cheese
Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Barbecue Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Mayonnaise
Serving suggestions
Hands down, french fries, preferably homemade, as they go perfectly with hamburgers, but here are a few other sides that go well with hamburgers.
- Baked Beans
- Cheesy Bacon & Squash
- Salad
- Green Beans
- Coleslaw
- Roasted brussel sprouts
I’ll even cook up a few hot dogs for the pickier eaters.
Tips for cooking burgers in cast iron
Preheat your cast iron skillet: Make sure your skillet is thoroughly preheated in order to achieve a nice sear on the burgers as well as lock in the juices.
Use high-quality ground beef: Most people recommend using 80/20% ground burger. However, we get our beef, along with all of our meat, from a local farmer, and I am not entirely sure what the lean-to-fat percentage is.
Season the meat well: Don’t be afraid to season the ground beef generously. Follow our suggestions, or come up with your own creation! Just be sure to let us know how it turned out 🙂
Make an indent in the center: As mentioned earlier, creating a small indent in the middle of each patty helps prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle.
Make the patty larger than your bun: The burgers will shrink a little while they cook, so make them about an inch larger to account for this!
Avoid overcrowding the skillet: It’s essential for all the burgers to fit onto the skillet in order to cook properly. If needed, cook in batches or use a second skillet.
Don’t smash the burgers: It’s not so much a problem flattening the patty out before you flip it, but once you flip the burger and the cooked side is up, avoid smashing it down with a spatula to avoid pressing out any juices.
FAQs
Do I need to preheat the cast iron skillet before cooking burgers? Yes! Preheating the cast iron skillet for several minutes ahead of time is crucial for achieving that lovely sear.
How long does it take to cook burgers in the cast iron skillet? The cooking time depends on several factors, including the thickness of the patties and desired level of doneness. Generally, 7-10 minutes is enough time to cook burgers on the stovetop.
Should I flip the burgers multiple times while cooking? Generally, it’s best just to flip the burger once. However, if a good sear has formed on both sides and you need to cook the top a little longer, there is no harm in flipping it several times.
Can I cook frozen burgers in a cast iron skillet? Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in a cast iron skillet. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer compared to thawed or fresh burgers. Follow the package instructions or cook until the internal temperature reaches the desired level of doneness.
How do I clean the cast iron skillet after cooking burgers? After cooking, allow the skillet to cool slightly. Then, use a spatula or scraper to remove any stuck-on bits. Rinse with hot water and dry it thoroughly. If needed, you can lightly coat the skillet with a thin layer of oil to maintain its seasoning.
Storing and Reheating
Allow the burgers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container, or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then, store the burgers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a few options. My preferred method is gently reheating them in the oven until they are warmed.
Alternatively, you can reheat them on the stovetop by lightly oiling a skillet and heating the burgers over medium heat until they reach the desired temperature.
Key takeaways
Knowing how to cook burgers in a cast iron skillet offers you both simplicity and deliciousness in every bite!
I love the easy preparation and minimal cleanup.
So get ready to enjoy this incredible recipe. It truly is the best way to cook a juicy burger in a cast iron skillet!
If you loved this recipe, let me know by leaving a 5-star review below!
The Best Cast Iron Skillet Burgers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of fresh ground beef locally sourced if possible
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt if you use table salt, cut the amount in half
- 1 teaspoon of fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Mix seasonings in with the ground beef by folding the meat overtop the seasonings until everything is well combined.
- Separate and shape the meat into patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the middle to prevent it from puffing up.
- Preheat a 12" skillet to medium-high heat and carefully add your burger patties, four at a time.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes before flipping and cooking an additional 3-4 minutes, depending on your preference. If you like your burgers well done, cook them a little longer.
- Remove them from the heat, and load them up with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
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