This hamburger patty recipe is incredibly simple, using only three ingredients to create a flavorful, juicy burger. When it comes to homemade hamburgers, less is more. All you need is quality ground beef, salt, and pepper. The key is in the technique, not overworking the meat and making sure each patty is shaped just right.

My favorite way to cook a hamburger is always on the grill. The flavor takes me right back to summers growing up—long days spent outside and the grill almost always going. If you’re firing up the grill this weekend, these thick, juicy homemade patties are sure to steal the show. Pair them with soft homemade hamburger buns and a side of classic potato salad for the ultimate from-scratch summer meal.
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Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef (80/20) – This ratio keeps the patties juicy and flavorful without shrinking too much on the grill.
- Salt and Pepper – Stick to the basics. A good burger doesn’t need anything fancy, just a generous pinch of each to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
How To Make Hamburger Patty Recipe
Making your own hamburger patties at home is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps for the best grilled burgers every time.
STEP 1
Portion the ground beef into four 6-ounce patties. Gently shape each one into a 4-inch diameter patty, about ¾-inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
STEP 2
Use your thumb to press an indentation into the center of each patty. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
STEP 3
Season one side of each patty with half of the salt and pepper. Place the seasoned side down on a hot grill.
STEP 4
Grill for about 4 minutes, until lightly charred. Season the top with the remaining salt and pepper, then flip and cook for an additional 4–5 minutes or until your preferred doneness.
STEP 5
If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Close the lid to melt the cheese, then remove the patties from the grill. Enjoy!
💡Expert Tips
- Don’t overwork the meat, this keeps the burgers tender.
- The thumbprint in the center helps the patties cook evenly and stay flat. The center should be slightly less thick than the rest of the patty.
Frequently Asked Questions
The quality of the meat and minimal handling! Use 80/20 ground beef and gently shape the patties without over-handling.
This simple trick helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up in the middle.
Salt and pepper are all you need! Season the patties just before grilling to keep the meat tender. By seasoning the outside only, you minimize handling, which helps the patties stay tender.
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📖 Recipe
Hamburger Patty Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80/20
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Portion the ground beef into four 6-ounce patties. Gently shape each one into a 4-inch diameter patty, about ¾-inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Use your thumb to press an indentation into the center of each patty. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
- Season one side of each patty with half of the salt and pepper. Place the seasoned side down on a hot grill.
- Grill for about 4 minutes, until lightly charred. Season the top with the remaining salt and pepper, then flip and cook for an additional 4–5 minutes or until your preferred doneness.
- If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Close the lid to melt the cheese, then remove the patties from the grill. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overwork the meat—this keeps the burgers tender.
- The thumbprint in the center helps the patties cook evenly and stay flat.
- Try with my Homemade Hamburger Buns recipe!
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