These Stovetop Burgers are a classic dinner favorite, have a super easy recipe, and only take 20 minutes to make. Pair with potato wedges for a dinner the whole family will love.
Recipe Overview
20-Minute Dinner: These only take 20 minutes to make, which is faster than getting them from a fast food restaurant.
Simple Recipe: These stove-top burgers are just so easy to make and require minimal effort and cleanup.
Weeknight Winner: If your family is like mine, they are always down for burgers and fries.
Sound Good? Jump to Recipe ⬇Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef – I like to use 85% ground beef, it gives you a juicy burger without too much grease. I have made these with 90% ground beef, they are a little dryer, but it’s nothing a little ketchup, mayo, and mustard can’t fix.
- Salt & Pepper – We're keeping the seasoning easy for these simple burgers. You only need salt and pepper.
- Avocado Oil – It’s optional, but I like to use a high-heat oil like avocado oil to get a nice sear on my burgers. Other options include canola oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil. Just make sure it’s an oil with a high smoke point!
- Cheddar Cheese – You can use cheddar cheese, American cheese, pepper jack cheese, and Swiss cheese, to name a few.
- Buns – I prefer a classic sesame seed bun, but brioche buns, potato buns, and whole wheat buns are great options. If you're skipping the bread, you can also use lettuce wraps!
- Butter – It's an option, but I like to butter my buns before toasting to make them just that much better.
- Burger Toppings – Choose your favorite toppings like onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Cook Burgers on the Stove
Step 1 | Shape Your Patties
Divide the beef into four equal portions, shape into 5-inch patties (¼-inch thick), and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2 | Cook Your Burgers
Heat a cast iron skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Cook your patties for four minutes on each side to get a well-done burger.
Once the burgers are cooked, transfer them to a plate and immediately top each patty with a slice of cheese. The heat from the patties will melt the cheese perfectly.
Step 3 | Toast the Buns & Serve
Toast your buns under your oven’s broiler for 1–3 minutes. Add the cheeseburgers on the toasted buns, adding your favorite toppings.
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Stovetop Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% ground beef
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or another oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 slices mild cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese
- 4 buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Burger toppings: onion tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Prepare your burger toppings.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a 5-inch patty about ¼-inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat to keep your burgers tender. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil once the skillet is hot.
- Place the patties in the skillet. Cook each side for 4 minutes for a well-done burger. (Note: The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure safety.)
- Once the burgers are cooked, transfer them to a plate and immediately top each patty with a slice of cheese. The heat from the patties will melt the cheese perfectly.
- While the burgers are cooking, butter the buns. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet and toast under your oven’s broiler for 1–3 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Layer your cheeseburgers on the toasted buns and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Notes
The USDA advises cooking hamburgers to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure safety. If you prefer a medium-cooked burger, use the freshest beef or grind your own to minimize risk.
There's no need to press down on the patties while cooking. It will just release the juices and make them dry.
Common Questions
If you cook your burgers at too high a temperature, the fat will burn and create a lot of smoke. To reduce the smoke, reduce your heat a little.
Stove Top: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or beef broth to keep the burger moist. Cover with a lid and heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
Microwave (quick option): Cover with a damp paper towel on top to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Sides
- Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Potatoes and burgers are a classic pairing that belong together.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing makes for a refreshing and lighter side option.
- Sheet Pan Veggies: Roasted vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are easy to make and add a healthy, flavorful side to your burger.
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