Hamburger Recipe

Hamburger with melted cheese on a bun with tater tots on the side.

HAMBURGER RECIPE

Learn how to make juicy, flavorful homemade hamburgers using a simple handcrafted burger seasoning blend featuring cold-smoked paprika, smoked peppercorns, and smoked sea salt. Perfect for backyard grilling, family cookouts, and weeknight dinners.

Quick Recipe

  • Prep Time – 10 minutes
  • Cook Time – 10–15 minutes
  • Total Time – 20–25 minutes
  • Servings – 4 Burgers
  • Difficulty – Easy

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a great hamburger fresh off the grill. Whether you're celebrating the first warm weekend of spring or grilling all year long, a perfectly seasoned burger is one of those meals everyone looks forward to.


After years of experimenting with different seasonings, we created a simple burger seasoning blend that delivers incredible flavor without masking the taste of quality beef. Using our handcrafted smoked seasonings, this recipe produces juicy, flavorful burgers with just the right balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.


You'll love this recipe because:

✔ Quick and easy to make

✔ Perfect for backyard grilling

✔ Great for weeknight dinners or cookouts

✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients

✔ Incredible smoky flavor in every bite

Ingredients

Burger Seasoning
For the Burgers
  • 1½–2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 recommended)
  • Hamburger buns
  • Cheese (optional)
  • Favorite toppings

Why This Burger Seasoning Works

Great burgers don't need dozens of ingredients—they need the right balance of flavor. The combination of smoked paprika adds depth and color, smoked bourbon peppercorn delivers bold pepper flavor, whiskey smoked sea salt enhances the natural richness of the beef, while a touch of brown sugar helps create a beautifully caramelized crust on the grill. Together, these simple ingredients create a burger seasoning that's smoky, savory, slightly sweet, and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
  • Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
Step 2
  • Form the ground beef into evenly sized hamburger patties.
Step 3
  • Generously season both sides of each burger with the seasoning blend.
  • Reserve a small amount for seasoning during cooking.
Step 4
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Cook burgers approximately 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness.
Step 5
  • Add cheese during the final minute if desired.
  • Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

🔥Smokehouse Kitchen Tips

  • Start with 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers.
  • Don't overwork the meat when forming patties.
  • Press a small thumbprint into the center of each burger to help it cook evenly.
  • Let burgers rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Science

  • Why 80/20 Ground Beef Makes Better Burgers
The fat content in 80/20 ground beef helps keep burgers juicy during cooking. As the fat renders, it bastes the meat from within, creating a flavorful, tender burger. Leaner beef can work, but it tends to cook drier and benefits from careful temperature control.

Recipe Variations

Try this seasoning on:

  • Smash Burgers
  • Turkey Burgers
  • Veggie Burgers
  • Sliders
  • Cheeseburgers
  • Stuffed Burgers

What To Serve With Homemade Hamburgers

Complete your meal with these favorites:


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ground beef for hamburgers?
  • We recommend 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Can I make the seasoning ahead of time?
  • Absolutely. Mix a larger batch and store it in an airtight container for future cookouts.
Can I cook these burgers on a flat top or cast iron skillet?
  • Yes. This seasoning blend works just as well on a Blackstone, griddle, or cast iron pan.
Can I freeze hamburger patties?
  • Yes. Season the patties first, then freeze individually for quick weeknight meals.
Can I use this seasoning on turkey or chicken burgers?
  • Definitely. It adds fantastic flavor to poultry as well.

More Beef Recipes


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From The Smokehouse Kitchen

"Some of the best memories are made around a backyard grill. Whether it's a summer cookout with friends or a simple family dinner, a great hamburger has a way of bringing everyone together. We hope this recipe becomes one you'll come back to every grilling season. Thanks for cooking with us!" - Andy (Owner of The Original Cold Smoked Salt and Pepper Co.)
Two people in black shirts smile beside a large metal pot in a dim kitchen or bar area.
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