The grilling time for burgers depends on the thickness of the patty, grill temperature, and desired doneness. For a standard 1-inch thick burger patty grilled at around 450-500°F, here are general guidelines:
- Rare (125°F): Grill about 2 minutes per side (4 minutes total)
- Medium-rare (135°F): About 2.5 minutes per side (5 minutes total)
- Medium (145°F): About 3 to 3.5 minutes per side (6 to 7 minutes total)
- Well-done (160°F): About 4 to 4.5 minutes per side (8 to 9 minutes total)
The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to at least 160°F for safety, which corresponds to well-done
. For a ¼-pound burger, grilling about 5 minutes per side (10 minutes total) is typical to ensure thorough cooking
. Key tips:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375-500°F)
- Flip burgers only once halfway through cooking
- Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the side of the patty for accurate doneness
- Let burgers rest for a minute after grilling to redistribute juices
On pellet grills at 400°F, cooking can take about 6 to 8 minutes per side for medium doneness, adjusting for patty thickness
. In summary, grilling times vary but generally range from 4 to 10 minutes total depending on thickness and doneness level, with temperature checks recommended for safety and best results.