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If you’re wondering how to cook the best stove top burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right every time, you’re in the right place.

Grilling is a popular option. However, making burgers on the stove can produce equally delicious results with more control over the cooking process.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or whipping up a burger for a weekend gathering, learning how to cook burgers on the stove is a must-have skill.

I’m going to show you step-by-step how to make the best stove top burgers, including everything from forming the perfect patty to getting a great sear with a cast iron skillet.

By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to cook juicy hamburgers on the stove that will compete with any grilled burger.

Choosing The Right Ground Beef For The Best Stove Top Burgers

The secret to the best stove top burgers starts with the beef. For juicy burgers on the stove, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef.

This means the beef has been ground into the consistency of 80% meat and 20% fat, which helps keep your burger moist and full of flavor.

Too lean, and you risk a dry, tough burger; too fatty, and you’ll be dealing with grease rather than delicious juices.

If you prefer a leaner cut, opt for 85/15. Just be mindful of the cooking times to avoid drying out the burgers.

You definitely do not want to overcook the burgers and lose all those wonderful juices.

How To Make Burger Patties

The key to making burger patties that cook evenly and taste great is not to overwork the meat.

Start by dividing your ground beef into equal portions – roughly 6-8 ounces per patty works well for standard-sized burgers.

When forming the meat into patties, do so loosely without compacting the patty. Here’s a tip: Press a small indentation into the center of each patty.

This helps the burgers cook more evenly and prevents them from swelling up into round balls as they cook.

A flat patty will also cook quicker and more consistently, guaranteeing the entire burger is juicy from edge to edge.

How To Season Burgers For Extra Flavor

While salt and pepper are the foundation of great burger seasoning, there are other ways to add extra flavor. SPG(Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder) is my favorite.

Like making a meatloaf, you can mix an egg along with some Worcestershire sauce and crackers or breadcrumbs into the ground beef before forming the patties or sprinkle a little smoked paprika on the burgers as they cook, too.

Once your burgers are perfectly seasoned, it’s time to think about how to cook them. In the video below, we demonstrate how we do this.

Cooking Burgers In A Cast Iron Skillet

Now, it’s time to get cooking! If you want the best stove top burgers, a cast iron skillet is your best friend.

Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, giving your burgers a nice, even sear that locks in the juices.

Here’s how to cook burgers on the stove:

1. Preheat the skillet: Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.

You want the skillet hot enough that when the burgers hit it, they sizzle immediately.

2. Add a bit of oil: While the skillet heats up, add a small amount of oil to the pan. You can use your favorite cooking oil or even butter if you like, but I use beef tallow for a richer flavor.

The added oil prevents sticking and helps develop a crispy crust on the burgers.

3. Cook the patties: Place your burger patties into the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. Once they’ve developed a deep, golden-brown crust, flip them, but you only need to flip them once.

Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, depending on how thick your patties are and how well done you like your burgers.

For a more well-done burger, you can add a minute or two to the cooking time.

4. Avoid pressing the patties: One of the biggest mistakes people make is pressing down on the burgers with a spatula while they cook and squeezing out all the juices. Don’t do this!

Pressing the patties forces out all those flavorful juices, leaving you with a dry, tough burger.

Let the burgers cook undisturbed for the juiciest results.

How To Make Juicy Hamburgers On The Stove

For juicy burgers, cooking temperature and time are key. You want to cook the burgers to an internal temperature of about 160°F for well done or 145°F for medium.

Using an instant-read meat thermometer helps to let us know that the burgers are cooked perfectly without losing too much juice.

Overcooking can dry out the burgers, so keep an eye on the time and temperature.

If you’re making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking and cover the skillet to let it melt perfectly over the burger.

Serving Your Stovetop Burgers

Once the burgers are done, it’s time to add your toppings.

You can keep it simple and classic with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Eat it plain, or add your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise.

Or you can get creative with other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a soft-fried egg. The sky is the limit, so dress it the way you like.

Serve your burgers on a toasted bun to add a bit of crunch to every bite.

If you want to make delicious hamburgers on the stovetop that everyone will enjoy, follow these steps for a perfect burger every time.