Grilled Hamburger Recipe (with a secret ingredient)

This is my super simple go-to grilled hamburger recipe with only 6 ingredients. Ground beef, onion soup mix, oats, egg, diced onion, and Worcestershire sauce. They are the only ingredients needed for a crowd-pleasing burger that gets two thumbs up every time.

Roll up your sleeves, pat out some burgers, and fire up the grill. Let’s make some juicy burgers. 

Recipe Origin

My husband loves hamburgers and could eat them several times a week. He just can’t resist a juicy grilled hamburger, especially if it’s served with a side of potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. 

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Although I have tried several versions of hamburger mixes over the years, I always come back to my original recipe. It is hands down the best combination and taste. 

Regarding a backyard bbq, hamburgers always appear on the menu. Nothing compares to a juicy grilled burger with an endless supply of toppings.

Why This Recipe Works for Grilled Burgers

This is a straightforward recipe with simple ingredients that comes together fast. Most of these items are in your pantry or refrigerator. 

What is the Secret Ingredient in this Homemade Grilled Hamburger Recipe?

Quick Oats is my secret ingredient in this burger recipe. I like to use oats instead of bread crumbs as a binder. Just a few oats and an egg will not only hold the burgers together on the grill, but it is also a healthier choice than bread crumbs.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Hamburgers

You just need a handful of pantry ingredients to make grilled hamburgers.

Ground Beef— I like an 80/20 beef to fat. You will want to skip the extra lean meat and use some with a bit of fat to make an excellent juicy burger. This mixture is available in most grocery stores and should be easily found. 

Onion Soup Mix— Wonderful seasonings in a little package.

Diced Onions: Onions are used in this recipe not just for flavor but for moisture. Onions release water/moisture as they cook, resulting in a juicy burger.

Quick Cooking Oats: Yep, you read that correctly. Oats are used as a binder to hold the burgers together instead of bread crumbs. 

Egg– Just one egg is needed in the mix.

Worcestershire Sauce: You know it’s flavored well when you add a few dashes of this sauce to the mix. Add as much as you desire. 

How to Make Grilled Hamburgers

1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. 
2. Divide meat into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Flatten into a 1″ patty making an indention in the center.
3. Place patties on a plate/tray covered with plastic wrap into the refrigerator until ready to grill. 
4. Grill patties for 4-6 minutes on each side (or longer) or until you reach desired doneness. The time depends on your method of cooking, the size of the patties, the heat of the grill, and the type of grill you are cooking on. Note: Do not press burgers as you flip. 

Grill Temperature for Burgers

Most of the time, I use a gas grill for my burgers. I like to grill on medium heat, around 350-400 degrees. Be sure to preheat your grill before adding the burgers. Hamburgers should be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees. This will result in a medium-well burger. I like mine slightly pink in the center; you cook until you reach a safe and desired temperature.

Toppings for a Hamburger

The toppings are endless, and the likes are up to you. Pile them as high as you want to go. Some of my choices might be:

Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayonnaise

Bacon

Lettuce

Onions

Pickles, Jalapenos, Peppers

Tomatoes

Expert Tips and Variations for Making a Juicy Burger

• Keep the meat cold until you are ready to mix/cook the burgers.

• Don’t overwork the beef mixture.

• Pat out burgers into desired sizes.

• Add a thumbprint or indention in the center of the burger before cooking. This will keep the burger from puffing up and out of shape.

• Grill- Grill the patties over medium heat. If you don’t have an outside grill, use a grill pan that is made for your stovetop, or a cast-iron skillet works nicely. 

• Flip your burgers but don’t press. You don’t want all of those good juices escaping from your burgers.

Storage Tips

Store all leftover hamburgers in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container.

Other Dishes I Should Try with Grilled Hamburgers:

Pasta Salad

Corn on the Cob

Southern Fried Green Beans

Pickled Vidalia Onions

Corn Salad with Jalapenos

Recipe FAQs

For a great tasting macaroni salad, check out my recipe in the Lake Martin Magazine.