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Juicy, flavorful, and ready in about 20 minutes, these Stovetop Burgers are the perfect solution when you’re craving a homemade burger without firing up the grill. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these burgers stay tender and juicy thanks to a few simple techniques.
Try This Next: If you love this, try my Ranch Burgers or my easy Cheeseburger Sliders recipe next!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Only 4 main ingredients for the patties.
- Cook Inside – No grill required for this recipe! That makes it perfect for any time of year.
- Simple To Make – Quick and easy, ready in about 20 minutes.
- Versatile – These burgers are totally customizable. Just top with your favorite fixings!
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
Before You Begin
Get all of your ingredients and garnish together before you get started! There’s nothing worse than having to dig for ingredients in the middle of a cook.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Ground chuck: Using 80/20 ground chuck helps ensure the burgers stay juicy without being greasy.
- Butter or olive oil: Adds flavor and prevents sticking. Butter will give a richer flavor.
How To Make Stovetop Burgers
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
- In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix gently with clean hands.
- Form 6 equal patties, about 4 inches wide and less than an inch thick. Press a thumbprint into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil.
- (Optional) Toast the buns cut side down in the skillet until lightly golden, then set aside under foil to keep warm.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for 3-5 minutes on each side, flipping once. Add cheese after flipping if using.
- Assemble the burgers on the toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pan is best for stovetop burgers?
A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron is ideal for a great sear.
How do I know when my burgers are done?
Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
You can form the patties a few hours ahead and keep them chilled until cooking.
Why do you make an indentation in the patties?
It helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from puffing up too much in the center.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Stovetop Burgers with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad.
Switch up the toppings with bacon, avocado slices, or spicy jalapeños. For a kid-friendly version, use slider buns and make mini burgers.
Storage Tips
The Best Way to Store Leftovers
Storing leftovers: If you happen to have a few burgers leftover, let them cool then wrap them up in an airtight container in the fridge. They will remain fresh for 3-4 days.
Reheating: You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little butter or oil.
Freezer: To freeze cooked burgers, let them cool then wrap tightly in plastic wrap to preserve their flavor. Place them in a freezer bag and they’ll be good for up to 4 months.
Recipe Tips
- Resist pressing down on the burgers while they cook to keep them juicy.
- Let the cooked burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to keep all those juices inside.
- Mix gently when forming patties to avoid tough burgers.
More Sandwich Recipes
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Classic Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Grilled BBQ Burger
Stovetop Burgers
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground chuck
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter or olive oil for the pan
Burger Assembly
- 6 Hamburger buns
- Optional hamburger toppings: Lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced red onions, sliced American or cheddar cheese, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Place the ground beef in a large bowl and sprinkle on the salt, and pepper. Mash the meat with clean hands several times until combined.
- Again using your hands, form 6 equal sized patties from the ground beef. They will shrink up quite a bit as they cook, so you want to make them fairly large, about 4” across and less than an inch thick. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of the patty.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in the skillet.
- Toast the buns (optional). Place the buns cut side down in the skillet until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate, loosely tent with foil to keep warm and set aside.
- Turn the heat to medium-high. Place the patties in the pan, working in batches if necessary to keep from overcrowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side. Flip, add cheese if desired, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until desired doneness is reached. (Food safe internal temperature is 160 degrees F.) Resist the urge to press down on the patties or to constantly flip or move them. You want to leave them alone so they get a nice sear.
- Transfer the burgers to the toasted buns and add your desired toppings.
Notes
- Medium (pink center): 7-8 minutes
- Medium-Well (slightly pink center): 9 minutes
- Well Done (no pink): 10 minutes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
