Guide to Making the BEST Burgers (Plus our Top Burger Recipes)

On the surface, a burger is as simple as it gets: meat, bun, toppings. But getting it right? How to make the best burgers isn’t just slapping these ingredients together. It takes a little more finesse to deliver the ideal balance of texture and flavor.

In this guide to how to make burgers, we’ll walk you through the key steps for a burger that hits every mark and share some of our top recipes so you can master your own version of this iconic meal.

Choosing the Right Beef

The heart of any great burger is the beef. For best results, skip the leanest choices because it’s the fat that gives that juicy profile. Most chefs advocate for a blend of 80% meat, 20% fat for a patty-perfect mix that will hold up well on the grill or stovetop. For how to make hamburger patties that are a cut above the rest, consider asking your butcher to work in short rib for added depth. (Even Gordon Ramsay says so!)  

Steer clear of pre-formed patties as they’re often overworked and cook up dry. And while some recipes may call for breadcrumbs, eggs or other fillers, we advocate letting the meat be the star of the grill. With the right blend, you can “meat” the challenge.

And if you have a beef with red meat, you can always turn to alternatives such as turkey or hearty grilled veggies.

Essential Ingredients for a Standout Bite

Now, we said no filler but that doesn’t mean no extras of any type. But you don’t need a long list, just the right building blocks.

On the seasoning front, purists can do a thorough sprinkle of salt and pepper and call it good, but other great additions include garlic powder, chili powder or smoked paprika for some subtle heat. And, our recipes below will serve as further spice inspo.

Buns matter more than you might think; look for soft, sturdy rolls that toast well and don’t fall apart under pressure.

And, then you’re ready to customize your burger. The best burger toppings will enhance, not overwhelm. Think contrast: creamy cheese, crisp lettuce, sharp pickles, maybe something with a little heat or tang like grilled onions. And don’t sleep on sauces from a swipe of ketchup to a punchy aioli or even your own “secret sauce” for a signature spin.   

Cooking Methods for Delicious Burgers

You’re probably picturing a classic backyard grill master flipping patties over open flames, but that’s just one path to a great burger.

Wondering how do you make burgers on the stove? Some of the best results come from a screaming-hot skillet or a flat-top griddle, where the meat makes full contact with the surface and develops a deep, crunchy crust.

Whether you’re indoors or out, cook over high heat, flip once (please don’t press the patty because you’ll lose all the juices, except in one crave-worthy case below) and let it rest before assembling. Temperature-wise, you’re going for medium-rare to medium for maximum flavor and consistency unless your guests insist otherwise.

Now that you have the basics down, from how to cook hamburgers on the grill to the best burger toppings, you can get on a roll with these recipes that will turn you into the ultimate burger master, one sizzling patty at a time.

ALL AMERICAN BURGER

Let’s start with a classic to put your skills to the test. This one yields a little extra punch during the mixing process when you add French's® Tomato Ketchup, McCormick® Grill Mates® Hamburger Seasoning and French's® Classic Worcestershire Sauce before forming.

HEARTY BURGERS

An easy upgrade with big impact, this burger is seasoned with McCormick Brown Gravy Mix to bring savory depth straight into the patty mix. Perfect for year-round grilling indoors or out, it’s a clever twist on the traditional that’s anything but ordinary.

CLASSIC SMASH BURGERS

How to make smash burgers? It’s a snap when you use McCormick Grill Mates Classic Smash Seasoning. And riffing on our advice above, this is the one time you can smash the patty — a large heavy spatula creates that crispy crust that’s all the rage.  

DOUBLE STACKED SMASHED BURGERS

This recipe is double the fun. A smash hit.  (Hey, it’s an article about burgers; we had to throw in a dad joke!) But, sear-iously, the Grill Mates Cracked Pepper and Garlic Seasoning and homemade burger sauce will indeed make these burgers grill goals.

GRILLED TURKEY BURGERS

Now we’re talking…turkey, that is. You’ll be thankful for this beef alternative that packs in satisfying taste from hearty McCormick® Turkey Gravy Mix and a double dose of French's® Crispy Fried Onions that are both mixed in and piled on top for extra crunch and contrast.

SRIACHA BBQ BURGER WITH GRILLED KIMCHI & GINGER GARLIC MAYO

And now for something totally different…we give you an Asian-inspired delight with sweet heat from Grill Mates Honey Sriracha Marinade, complemented by veggie-laden kimchi and Ginger Garlic Mayo for major umami.

SOUTHWESTERN CHIPOTLE PEPPER BURGER WITH GRILLED AVOCADO

Bold and smoky with just the right kick, this Southwestern-style burger gets its heat from McCormick Grill Mates Chipotle Pepper Marinade Seasoning Mix and its richness from charred avocado. A pop of lime mayo and crumbled Cotija bring creamy, tangy contrast in every bite.