Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stove top burger recipe is simple, fast, and yields perfectly juicy burgers every time. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make delicious burgers without needing to fire up the grill. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings creates the perfect burger experience. It’s a foolproof way to satisfy your burger cravings with minimal effort.
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 (or any of your favorite toppings)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the avocado oil (or your choice of oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the patties in the pan.
- Cook the Patties: Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Adjust the time depending on how well-done you like your burgers. For well-done burgers, cook an additional minute per side.
- Add the Cheese: In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt quickly.
- Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast them in a separate skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked burger patty onto the bottom half of the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings, such as onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard, or anything else you love.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately with fries, chips, or your favorite side dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar cheese for American, Swiss, provolone, or blue cheese for a different flavor.
- Spicy Burgers: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Burger: Use plant-based ground beef or veggie patties as an alternative to the meat for a vegetarian option.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings—try avocado, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg on top!
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat burgers in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave, until heated through. You can also re-toast the buns to keep them fresh.
FAQs
Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe?
You can use leaner ground beef, but 85% ground beef yields the juiciest burgers. If you use leaner beef (e.g., 90% or higher), the burgers may be less juicy, so be sure not to overcook them.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the burger patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking them.
How do I prevent the burgers from shrinking while cooking?
To prevent the burgers from shrinking, make a small indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle.
Can I freeze the burger patties?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked burger patties for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
What if I don’t have a lid to melt the cheese?
If you don’t have a lid, you can melt the cheese by cooking the burger for an additional minute on each side, or placing the cheese on the burger and turning off the heat to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
Can I add different seasonings to the ground beef?
Absolutely! You can mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, or any spices you like to customize the flavor of your burgers.
Can I use a non-stick pan for cooking the burgers?
Yes, a non-stick pan works perfectly fine for cooking burgers, but make sure to use a high enough heat so the burgers get a nice sear and crispy crust.
Conclusion
Easy Stove Top Burgers are the perfect way to enjoy a classic, juicy burger without the need for a grill. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these burgers are quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you like them simple or loaded with toppings, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for delicious homemade burgers. Enjoy with your favorite sides, and savor the satisfying, cheesy goodness of these easy-to-make burgers!
Print
Easy Stove Top Burgers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Stove Top Burgers are a quick and delicious way to make juicy, flavorful burgers right on your stovetop. Perfectly seasoned ground beef patties, melted cheese, and soft buns come together in just minutes for a satisfying meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend craving, these burgers are a must-try for any burger lover.
Ingredients
1 pound 85% ground beef
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another high smoke point oil 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, or any of your favorite toppings.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
-
Heat the Pan: Heat the avocado oil (or your choice of oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the patties in the pan.
-
Cook the Patties: Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Adjust the time depending on how well-done you like your burgers. For well-done burgers, cook an additional minute per side.
-
Add the Cheese: In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt quickly.
-
Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast them in a separate skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked burger patty onto the bottom half of the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings, such as onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard, or anything else you love.
-
Serve: Top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately with fries, chips, or your favorite side dish!
Notes
Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar cheese for American, Swiss, provolone, or blue cheese for a different flavor.
Spicy Burgers: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Veggie Burger: Use plant-based ground beef or veggie patties for a vegetarian option.
Toppings Galore: Try avocado, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
