Summer BBQ Hamburger Recipes: Perfect Burgers for Your Cookout
Nothing says summer like the sizzle of burgers on the grill, surrounded by friends and family at a backyard BBQ. With the right recipes and techniques, you can serve up juicy, flavorful hamburgers that will have everyone coming back for seconds. In this blog post, we’ll share two mouthwatering hamburger recipes, expert grilling tips from BBQ guru Steven Raichlen, and ideas for side dishes and drinks to round out your summer cookout. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, these tips and recipes will make your BBQ a hit!
Hamburger Recipes
1. Grilled BBQ Burger
This recipe is quick, simple, and delivers a smoky, juicy burger that’s perfect for summer. The addition of BBQ sauce in the patty mix gives it a tangy kick.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1.5 lbs |
| Finely diced onion | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, finely minced | 2 |
| BBQ sauce | 2 Tbsp |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined. Overworking the meat can make the burgers tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Press a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the patties for 2-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium-well. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- If adding cheese, place slices on the burgers during the last 1-2 minutes of grilling.
- Serve on toasted buns with extra BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, or your favorite toppings.
Tip: Make patties slightly larger than your buns, as they shrink during cooking.
2. Best Hamburger Ever
For those who love a burger bursting with flavor, this recipe incorporates a variety of seasonings and cheese for a rich, savory patty.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 ½ lbs |
| Finely chopped onion | ½ |
| Shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese | ½ cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Dry onion soup mix | 1 (1 oz) envelope |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Garlic powder | 1 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Crushed dried rosemary | ½ tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to high heat (450-500°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, cheese, egg, onion soup mix, garlic, garlic powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix until just combined, then form into 4 equal patties.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F for safety.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, ketchup, or mustard.
Tip: The cheese in the patty mix adds extra moisture and flavor, but you can omit it for a dairy-free version.
Expert Grilling Tips
To ensure your burgers are juicy and perfectly cooked, follow these tips from grilling expert Steven Raichlen:
- Clean and Oil the Grill: Scrub the grates with a grill brush and rub with an oil-soaked paper towel to prevent sticking.
- Choose the Right Beef: Use an 80/20 ground beef mix (80% lean, 20% fat) for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Ground chuck is ideal.
- Keep Meat Cold: Store ground beef in the fridge until you’re ready to form patties to prevent the fat from melting prematurely.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently fold in seasonings to keep the patties tender.
- Size and Shape: Form patties about 1 inch thick and slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage. Make a shallow indent in the center to prevent puffing.
- Charcoal vs. Gas: Charcoal grills add a smoky flavor, but gas grills work well too. Aim for 450-500°F.
- Grilling Times:
- Rare: 4 minutes total (125°F)
- Medium-Rare: 5 minutes total (135°F)
- Medium: 6-7 minutes total (145°F)
- Well-Done: 8-9 minutes total (160°F)
- Flip, Don’t Press: Flip burgers frequently for even cooking, but avoid pressing them to retain juices.
- Cheese Timing: Add cheese 1 minute before the burgers are done for perfect melting.
- Toast Buns: Butter and toast buns over indirect heat for 1 minute.
- Rest Burgers: Let burgers rest for 1 minute after grilling to redistribute juices.
These tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality burgers at home.
Side Dishes to Complement Your Burgers
A great BBQ isn’t just about the burgers—delicious sides make the meal complete. Here are some quick and tasty options:
- Corn Salad: Toss fresh or grilled corn with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or tangy coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a mayo or vinegar-based dressing is a BBQ classic.
- Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet baked beans are a hearty complement to burgers. Use canned beans for a quick prep.
- Grilled Vegetables: Skewer zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, then grill for a smoky, healthy side.
These sides are easy to prepare and add variety to your BBQ spread, balancing the richness of the burgers.
Refreshing Drinks for Your BBQ
Keep your guests cool and hydrated with these summer-friendly drinks:
- Sangria: Combine red or white wine with sliced fruit (like oranges, apples, and berries), a splash of soda, and a touch of brandy for a fruity punch. Make it in a pitcher for easy serving.
- Beer-Lemonade: Mix equal parts beer and lemonade for a light, refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot days.
- Frozen Margaritas: Blend tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and ice for a tangy, icy cocktail that’s a BBQ favorite.
These drinks can be prepared in large batches, making them ideal for entertaining.
With these hamburger recipes, expert grilling tips, and suggestions for sides and drinks, you’re ready to host an unforgettable summer BBQ. The Grilled BBQ Burger and Best Hamburger Ever recipes are quick, flavorful, and sure to please a crowd. Pair them with fresh sides and refreshing drinks, and don’t forget to enjoy the process—summer BBQs are all about good food and great company. Fire up the grill and make your next cookout one to remember!
