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This is for all you burger enthusiasts out there. After all, hamburgers are America’s favorite food. Today, we are making the best cast iron skillet burgers ever!
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 dutch oven fries.
I have been making burgers in a cast iron skillet for a long time. I 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 ultimately, it’s hard to mess up a homemade hamburger.
Table of Contents
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!
Ingredients needed
- Fresh ground beef: I personally love to source my ground beef locally for the best flavor!
- Worcestershire sauce: The savory and sorta sweet tang is just what we need to complement the beef perfectly.
- Sea salt: I prefer using sea salt, but you can use table salt in a pinch; just be sure to cut the amount in half.
- Freshly cracked pepper: Nothing beats the flavor of freshly ground black pepper.
Cast iron skillet burger recipe
Step 1: Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Divide the meat and shape into patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
Step 2: 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. 🙂
Step 3: Cook the burgers in a large cast iron skillet for 2-3 minutes undisturbed before flipping and continuing to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
Step 4: Once your burgers are cooked, top with cheese and assemble your favorite toppings!
Expert tip: Check the internal temperature of your burger with an instant thermometer. The USDA states ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F
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 and 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.
Burger toppings
No burger is complete without an assortment of toppings! 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.
- Dutch Oven Baked Beans
- Cheesy Bacon & Squash
- Salad
- Green Beans
- Easy Vinegar Coleslaw
- Roasted brussel sprouts
I’ll even cook up a few homemade hot dogs for the pickier eaters.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Preheating the cast iron skillet for several minutes ahead of time is crucial for achieving that lovely sear.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related recipes
- Cheesy moose burgers
- Venison sliders
- Hamburger steak
- Salisbury steak with French onion soup
- Venison sloppy joes
- Pulled beef sandwiches
If you tried this Cast Iron Burger Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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.
