Stovetop Burgers
Juicy burgers made right on your stove! These pan fried Stovetop Burgers have so much flavor and are an easy dinner idea!
Servings: 4
Calories: 489kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80-85% lean
- 1 tsp kosher salt to taste
- ½ tsp ground black pepper to taste
- ½ Tbsp salted butter
- 4 slices American or Cheddar Cheese
- 4 Burger Buns
- Additional butter if toasting the buns
- Toppings i.e. sliced pickles thinly sliced red onions, lettuce, tomatoes etc.
Instructions
- Divide the meat into four equal amounts.
- Gently press each section into a round patty about ½’’ thick. It’s ok to have jagged edges. You do not want to pick up each section, form a ball and press the meat into a patty because this leads to dry, tough burgers.
- Season each side of the patties with salt and pepper.
- Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Melt butter in the pan.
- When butter is melted and hot add the patties to the pan.
- Fry burgers until the surface is browned, about 3 minutes. Flip burger over and cook until it reaches desired doneness, about 2-5 minutes. USDA standards are that burgers should be cooked until they reach the internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- If you are adding cheese add cheese during the last minute or two of cooking so it melts.
- Transfer burgers to the plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
- While burgers are resting, butter inside of buns and toast them in a frying pan. If using the same pan make sure to wipe grease out before toasting.
Video
Notes
What is the secret to juicy hamburgers?
There are two secrets: first, when you form the patties gently form them with your hands – don’t ball up the meat and mash it to make the patties. That will make the burgers dry and tough. Second, don’t overcook them. Use a meat thermometer and cook them to a temperature of 160°F. If you cook them too long they will dry out.
Should you cover burgers when cooking on the stovetop?
Nope! I cook them uncovered. If you cover them, you trap the moisture which steams the burgers instead of frying them. You won’t get a nice crust.
How long does it take to cook them in a frying pan?
Not long! A 1/2″-thick burger will take about eight minutes or so. Cook it on one side for three minutes and then turn it and cook it on the other side for two to five minutes longer.
Can you cook stovetop burgers ahead of time?
I think they are the best right after they are cooked, but you can precook the patties and keep them in the refrigerator. If you do, I recommend undercooking them by a minute or so. That way, when you heat them up they won’t be overcooked.
Nutrition
Calories: 489kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1058mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 4mg