Stove Top Burgers (How to Cook Hamburgers on the Stove)

Skip the grill, and make the juiciest most delicious Hamburgers on the stove instead!

These Stove Top Burgers are easy to make, and simply seasoned to make a classic hamburger or cheeseburger, ready for all of your favorite toppings.

I’ll bet your mouth is watering just looking at a picture of this juicy cheeseburger on a toasted brioche bun with all the fixings.

And trust me, these hamburgers cooked on the stove using my versatile and easy recipe taste just as delectable as they look!

Keep reading to learn exactly how to cook hamburgers on the stove that are juicy and flavorful. You’ll be making the best hamburgers and cheeseburgers in your trusty cast-iron skillet, every single time!

If you really like cheeseburgers, be sure to check out my Juicy Lucy Burgers, which have the cheese stuffed inside of them before they’re cooked on the stove.

You can also try making Hamburgers in the Air Fryer, or even Instant Pot Hamburgers if you’re looking for a burger recipe that is mostly hands-off.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Burgers are a go-to dinner recipe in my house because everyone loves them! In warmer months, I usually opt to cook them on the grill, but if it’s raining or cold outside, stove top burgers are just as juicy and amazing as grilled ones!

Sometimes, I’ll even cook hamburgers on the stove in the summer just because it’s quicker and easier to do it that way. There’s no need to pre-heat or clean the grill, and clean-up is minimal as this recipe only requires one mixing bowl and one skillet.

Plus, pan-fried burgers have the most delicious outer crust, just like you’d get from a restaurant cooking patties on a flat-top grill.

Ingredients In Stove top Burgers

My hamburger mixture may seem basic, but it’s meant to be this way. Minimal seasonings mean that these burgers are meaty and delicious, plus you can add your own favorite seasonings if you want to.

• Ground Beef: For the best stovetop burgers, choose lean fresh ground chuck that is 20% fat, often labeled as 80/20. Ideally, choose ground chuck rather than ground round or ground sirloin for burger patties. This cut will give you the best flavor and texture due to the marbling in the chuck roast.
• Salt and Pepper: For a classic hamburger, this is all the seasoning you need to add!
• Rolls: I love to enjoy hamburgers on toasted brioche buns, but feel free to use your favorites.
• Toppings: Here’s where you can really make these burgers perfect for your family. Slices of American Cheese, grilled onions, sliced tomatoes, and crispy lettuce are my favorites. I’ll share an easy recipe for a tangy and creamy burger sauce too!

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How To Cook Hamburgers on the Stove

1. Mix up the Meat: Combine ground beef with salt and pepper. Use your hands to combine well, but for the best burger texture, don’t overdo it. Divide the meat into four portions. gently flatten each portion into half inch thick patties. Make an indent in the center of each patty with your thumb.
2. Make the Patties: Gently flatten each portion into half inch thick patties. Make an indent in the center of each patty with your thumb. Place the patties into a preheated cast-iron skillet with a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
3. Cook the Hamburgers on the Stove: Cook on one side until browned with a nice crust, then flip the patties over and continue to cook until the burgers reach your desired level of doneness.
4. Assemble Burgers: If desired, add slices of American cheese to each patty, remove the pan from the heat, and cover it with a lid. Let sit for a minute or two until the cheese melts. Then add the patties to toasted rolls, and top with your favorite condiments and toppings.

Recipe Tips

• To shape the patties: Putting an indent in the center of each patty helps them to cook evenly and stay flat rather than puffed up when they’re cooked. 
• Make the patties large enough to fill your buns: Aim to make each patty about ½ inch wider than your buns, as they will shrink as they cook.
• Cheese is optional, but always tasty! You can top your burgers with Swiss, cheddar, or any other type of cheese that you like. 
• Avoid overmixing the hamburger mixture. The texture will be best if the meat is just combined with the seasonings. I like to use my hands to do this part. 
• Check the doneness of the burgers using a cooking thermometer inserted into the center of each patty. 
• For a low carb meal, skip the buns and serve your burgers wrapped in lettuce leaves instead!

What Temperature Should Burgers Be Cooked To?

The FDA recommends that hamburgers are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C (well-done, and no longer pink). At this temperature, there is no risk of harmful bacteria surviving. 

You can choose to cook your burger to a lower temperature, but be sure to use very fresh beef. 

How Long Do You Cook Stove Top Burgers?

Wondering how long to cook burgers on the stove? Use this list as a guideline. Again, use a thermometer to check the temperature of your burgers to be sure.

• Medium-Rare (130-135°F/57°C) – Cook for 3 minutes per side
• Medium (145°F/63°C) – Cook for 3-4 minutes per side
• Medium-Well (150-155°F/68°C) – Cook for 4-5 minutes per side
• Well-Done (160°F/71°C) – Cook for 5 minutes per side

How to Toast Hamburger Buns

Butter the buns, then toast them in a skillet or broil them until lightly golden brown. The butter helps to seal the bread so that it won’t get soggy under your toppings.

Easy Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe

Just like fast food restaurants everywhere, you can make your own “special sauce” to go on your stove top burgers.

Simply mix together ¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sweet relish, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of honey, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper.

This tasty sauce can be enjoyed right away or stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Storing and Reheating Tips for Stovetop Burgers

Let your burgers cool to room temperature after cooking. Then store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

I enjoy leftover hamburgers for lunch, cold, added to a salad with ranch dressing, or in a wrap with mayo or burger sauce, lettuce, and tomato.

To reheat stored burgers, warm them in a skillet on the stovetop. If needed, add a bit of water to the pan and cover it with a lid so that they don’t dry out or overcook.

How to Freeze Burger Patties

Once cooked, you can wrap each cooled patty with foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Keep them this way in the freezer for up to 3 months.

I don’t suggest freezing cheeseburgers though. Wait to add the cheese until you’re ready to eat them!

What To Serve With Stove Top Hamburgers

These tasty burgers are perfect with a side of Homemade French Fries! You can also make things easier and whip up some Air Fryer Tater Tots, or try my recipe for creamy homemade Stovetop Mac and Cheese.

Recipe FAQs

Now you know how to make the best hamburgers on the stove, and you’ll be ready to serve these tasty burgers any time! Save this recipe for the next time you need an easy dinner recipe that will wow your family!