To grill burgers, you want the grill temperature to be around medium-high to high heat, which is around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are the steps to cook burgers on a grill:
- Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to reach medium-high heat, around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Use your hands to gently shape the meat into patties that are each about ¾- to 1-inch thick and slightly larger than the buns you plan to use. Make an indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help the burgers cook more evenly and stay flat on the grill.
- Season the burgers generously on both sides with kosher salt and pepper. You can also use your favorite burger seasoning, if you like.
- Place the burgers on the hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes to sear on the bottom.
- Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. The USDA recommends all burgers be brought to an internal temperature of 160º F to maximize food safety. Here are the internal temperatures Simply Recipes recommends for different levels of doneness:
- Rare - 125º F
- Medium rare - 135º F
- Medium - 145º F
- Well-done - 160º F
- Once the burgers reach the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Keep in mind that the burgers will cook differently depending on the size of your patties and just how hot your grill is. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure that your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness and are safe to eat.
