Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Nothing says summer quite like biting into a juicy grilled American burger. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, firing up the pellet smoker for the fourth of July, or just craving that perfect weeknight burger, this recipe delivers a big flavor with minimal fuss. Made with 85/15 ground beef, smoky Redrock BBQ seasoning, and layered with melty Colby Jack cheese, pickles, fresh toppings, and homemade brioche buns– it’s everything you want in a burger. Plus, we’ve got not one, but two special sauces to take it over the top. Grab your grill tools- it’s burger time!
The Chemistry of the American Burger
Great burgers are all about fat content, seasoning, and technique. The 85/15 ground beef blend strikes the perfect balance- enough fat to stay juicy without turning greasy. Seasoning the meat before forming patties ensures the flavor is infused throughout. Using a pellet smoker or high-heat grill creates a quick sear on the outside, locking in moisture. The internal temperature of 160 degrees F guarantees safety without overcooking. Adding cheese in the last minute melts it perfectly without slipping off. Toasting the buns slightly helps them hold up to the juices and toppings. It’s not just a burger- it’s beefy brilliance.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling an American Burger
- Preheat the grill. Start your pellet smoker or grill and heat to 400 degrees F or high.
- Season the beef. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef with Redrock BBQ seasoning (of your favorite beef blend seasoning). Mix just until incorporated.
- Form patties. Divide the beef into 6 equal portions. Press each into a round using a burger press or your hands.
- Grill the burgers. Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and grill for an additional 6 minutes—the target internal temperature is 160 degrees F.
- Add the cheese. During the last minute of cooking, Place Colby Jack slices on top of the patties. Close the lid to melt the cheese.
- Prepare the buns. While the burgers cook, slice and lightly toast your homemade brioche buns on the grill.
- Make the sauces. Mustard mayo- mix equal parts mayonnaise and yellow mustard. Ketchup mayo- mix equal parts mayonnaise and ketchup.
- Assemble the burgers. Spread sauces on both sides of the bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, avocado, and the cheesy burger patty.
- Serve and enjoy. Stack high, skewer if needed, and serve with your favorite sides!
American Burger Recipe Troubleshooting
We’ve all experienced dry burgers, crumbled patties, and bland bites. A dry burger usually means it was overcooked or made with lean beef. Stick with 85/15 for juicy results.
If your patties fall apart, they may not have been pressed firmly enough or were flipped too early. Use a burger press and let them cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes before turning.
Uneven cooking often results from patties that are too thick or too cold. Bring the meat to room temperature and shape evenly.
Flare-ups can cause burnt outsides– use indirect heat or a pellet grill to avoid direct flames. If the burgers are charred outside but raw inside, the heat is too high- go for even heat and don’t crowd the grill.
They shrank too small for the buns– Make your patties slightly larger than your buns- they’ll shrink as they cook.
If your burgers lack flavor, it’s usually due to under-seasoning- don’t skip that BBQ seasoning, and go bold with toppings and sauces.
What’s the best beef for juicy burgers? Go with 85/15 ground chuck- it’s flavorful and stays juicy.
How do I keep burgers from sticking? Preheat the grill and oil the grates lightly.
How thick should my patties be? Aim for about 3/4 inch thick so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
How long do I grill burgers? Typically 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness and heat.
What internal temperature should I hit? 160 degrees F is USDA- approved for ground beef.
How do I make them more flavorful? Use bold seasoning and layer on the toppings- cheese, sauces, pickles, and avocado- to add depth.
Lid open or closed? Close the lid for even cooking and smoky flavor.
Why do burgers puff up in the middle? Press a slight indentation into the center before grilling to prevent that.
Grilled American Burger
This recipe combines the best of a juicy grilled burger with all the charm of homemade hamburger patties. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal grill, or a Traeger, the flavor is unbeatable. These are grilled cheeseburgers at their finest, elevated with thoughtful seasoning for grilled burgers and all the essential burger grilling tips.
This is also an easy weeknight dinner, perfect for any backyard BBQ burger recipe. To succeed and avoid pitfalls, follow the burger grill temperature guide and flipping tips above. This recipe gives you the perfect burger patty for summer gatherings and beyond.
Seasonal American Burger
This burger recipe is a hit for summer BBQ recipes, especially for Memorial Day grilling ideas or your classic Fourth of July burger recipe. It’s also perfect for Labor Day cookout burgers and a midweek quick weeknight grilling. If you’re cutting carbs, try making it a keto-grilled burger (no bun) option.
Substitutions
Swap beef for healthy turkey burgers, or go meatless with plant-based grilled burgers. Go allergen-friendly with gluten-free burger options.
American Burger Serving Suggestions
Serve your burgers with crispy fries, grilled corn, or a zesty coleslaw for a classic combo. Try a cucumber tomato salad or mixed greens if you’re leaning light. For drinks, pair with craft beers, lemonade, or iced tea.
Want to level up your sauces? Try chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or homemade ketchup. For cheese lovers, options like cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or even blue cheese crumbles make it gourmet.
Presentation matters- toast the buns on the grill, stack toppings for visual appeal, and use skewers to hold those tall burgers in place. Set them on wooden boards or slate trays and offer a DIY topping bar with pickles, bacon, jalapeños, avocado, and a fried egg. Wrap in parchment paper for a laid-back backyard vibe and garnish with pickle spears or fresh herbs.
Storage Tips for American Burger
Refrigerator- Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or stovetop to retain juiciness. Keep sauces in sealed jars in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer- You can freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper layers in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling. You can freeze cooked patties and reheat them in a skillet or oven at 350 degrees F until warmed.
Making Ahead: Form the patties and prep sauces a day ahead. Store patties in the fridge with parchment between layers. You can also pre-slice toppings and have your brioche buns ready to go. On grill day, fire it up and cook!
Recommended Products
- Burger Press– For evenly shaped, perfect patties.
- Instant Read Thermometer– Nail that 160-degree F internal temp every time.
- Grill Basket or Mat– To prevent flare-ups and sticking.
- Burger Skewers– Keep those stacked beauties together.
The Best Grilled American Burger Recipe
This burger was born out of a love for those classic, all-American summer evenings- grill sizzling, kids running barefoot through the yard, and the smell of smoky beef filling the air. I’ve made burgers a hundred different ways, but this one has become our family favorite. It’s simple, flavorful, and always hits the spot. The real game-changer? The homemade brioche buns and that creamy mustard-mayo sauce. It’s the kind of burger that brings people together- messy hands, full hearts, and all.
The perfect grilled burger isn’t just about beef- it’s about balance. The seasoning, the cheese, the toasted bun, and that creamy sauce all work together to make magic. This recipe is simple but full of flavor, and once you make it, you’ll never want store-bought patties again. Whether you’re serving it up for a crowd or just treating yourself midweek, this burger brings that classic backyard comfort straight to your plate. Give it a try, and don’t forget to rate and review the recipe below.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Best Grilled Burger Recipe: Classic American Style
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef 85/15 lean
- 1 tbsp Real Salt Redrock BBQ Seasoning
- Homemade Brioche Buns
- 6 slices colby jack cheese
- pickles
- tomatoes
- lettuce
- avocado
- mayo mustard mix
- mayo ketchup mix
Instructions
- Start your pellet smoker or grill. Allow the smoker or grill to preheat to 400 degrees or high.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine the ground beef and Real Salt seasoning.
- Split the beef into six even pieces. Press each piece on a burger former.
- Place the beef patties on the smoker or grill and cook for 8 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature of the patty is 160 degrees F.
- If making cheese burgers, add to the beef while still on the grill and allow the cheese to melt for 30 seconds to 1 minutes.
- Remove and prepare your homemade brioche buns.
- Make the special sauce by mixing 1 part mayonnaise and 1 part yellow mustard in a small mixing bowl.
- Make the second special sauce by mixing 1 part mayonnaise and 1 part ketchup in another small mixing bowl.
- Spread the sauce on the bun and then top it with toppings: pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocados.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.
