Grilling season has arrived with gusto, and during our evening commute home we see grill masters everywhere cultivating the perfect blend of charcoal, cracking open a cold one and grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, shrimp, chicken… you name it. After all, these warmer days were practically made for evenings spent outdoors, yard games and delicious dinner fare served on the deck or patio.
The quest for the very best hamburger recipes is one that goes back many years, and while all can agree that the invention of the hamburger is perhaps the next best thing to sliced bread, surprisingly few can agree on who was responsible for the origin. Some claim the burger was first crafted in Hamburg, Germany, while others claim the first delicious ground beef patty between two slices of bread was actually served stateside.
Regardless of where the first hamburger was served, the meaty meal started to gain popularity in the United States beginning in the early 1900’s, and as more people heard about the dish and requested it, notoriety began to grow. The hamburger quickly became America’s sweetheart, chiefly because it was easy to cook and easy to carry and eat in a hurry.
When it comes to flavor, we know what’s “at steak,” so we scoured the globe for this list of the top ten easy hamburger recipes perfect for your palate – and your plate. Our top ten list includes a mixture of burger patty recipes as well as perfect burger topping recipes, so if you aren’t hungry now, trust that you will be soon!
First, we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions to help you choose the perfect ingredients when it’s time to mix up your patties.
What type of beef should I use for grilled hamburgers?
While the technical definition of a hamburger indicates that any type of ground beef is acceptable, we strongly recommend choosing high quality corn-fed ground beef with a 15-20% fat ratio. This makes for a juicier, more flavorful burger, and while the meat may shrink down a little more than a leaner choice, your taste buds will thank you!
What are the ingredients for grilled hamburgers?
The defining ingredient of a grilled hamburger is ground beef. Most die-hard burger fans will tell you that ground beef and a few seasonings are all you need for a mouthwatering meal, but the ingredients you choose for your hamburger recipes will vary depending on what you like best.
What toppings are best on grilled hamburgers?
A better question here might be: What toppings aren’t good on grilled hamburgers? Cheese is a natural choice, and depending on your preference, you can choose from traditional American, cheddar, Monterey-jack, provolone, swiss or even blue cheese.
Traditional hamburger toppings include: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mustard, mayo and ketchup. More unique options can include: chili, fried egg, pineapple, barbecue sauce, burnt ends, or whatever else your creativity cooks up.
Now that your most pressing questions have been answered, let’s dig in! In no particular order, here is a rockin’ round-up of our top picks:
1. Stuffed KC Steakhouse Burger
Mushrooms, blue cheese and Worcestershire sauce, among a few other choice ingredients and our very own Classic Steakburgers make up the first grilled hamburger recipe on our list. Serve with our Exclusive Steak Fries and a simple salad for a meal that delivers big flavor with little time.
2. Thai Peanut Butter and Bacon Burger
When it comes to creativity and grilled hamburger recipes, we think this Thai Peanut Butter and Bacon Burger recipe by The Noshery takes the – bun. Sriracha sauce, bacon, pineapple, cilantro and peanut butter rocket this unique take on grilled hamburgers to the next level!
As you’ll soon find, some of our favorite grilled burger recipes include fewer ingredients to allow that flavorful beef a chance to really shine. This recipe for Classic Grilled Burgers from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe is another five ingredient patty home run, requiring just ground chuck, seasoning salt, A-1 sauce, freshly ground black pepper and water.
Real Housemoms is on to something with their recipe for the Ultimate Burger patty – and we like their suggestions for toppings, too! This easy hamburger patty recipe involves ground chuck, onion, carrot, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Classic grilled hamburger recipes all involve one constant – ground beef. But there’s a good reason this recipe for Barbecued Pork Burgers made the list – and we know once you try it you’ll agree! Serve up this twist on the classic hamburger with a side of coleslaw, baked beans and some fresh fruit for a plate that will be empty in no time!
What spells summer more than a cool, delicious caprese salad with vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh, creamy mozzarella? We think this Caprese Burger with basil pesto comes in a close second! Serve with traditional steak fries, or your favorite berries for a lighter meal.
The incredible flavor of this classic burger variation has us all up in our feelings, and with an ingredient list like this, we can see why! Wagyu Kobe Steakburgers, diced bacon and bleu cheese crumbles all work together in a powerhouse play we can’t deny. Serve with our delectable Mac N’ Cheese Melts or the roasted vegetable of your choice.
This burger recipe is simple, easy to prepare and checks all the boxes when it comes to flavor that packs a punch. Ground chuck, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper make up this five-ingredient burger patty win, and the simple flavors found in this hamburger recipe by Cook the Story are sure to be a crowd pleaser for your crew.
9. Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger
Pineapple lovers, unite! This Hawaiian-inspired take on the burger requires a few more ingredients than most on our list, but we know it’s worth it – and we think you will, too! Serve with grilled shrimp and a fresh fruit salad for a tropical taste you’ll adore!
Dijon mustard, ham and pickles are just a few of the unique ingredients that pushed the “Cuban” Burger into our top ten round-up. We love the unique flavors that set this grilled hamburger recipe in a league of its own.
Are you ready to break out the grill yet? Before you do, drop us a comment and let us know which one of these easy hamburger recipes sounds best to you, then share this stellar round-up with your Facebook friends – they might thank you by inviting you over for grilled hamburgers!
