Best Stove Top Burgers: How to Make Juicy Burgers in a Cast Iron Skillet

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

burger buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns offer more fiber, while white bread is often less expensive.

ketchup

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: store-brand ketchup

Homemade sauce is fresher, while store brands are budget-friendly.

Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes.

Add a small amount of oil or beef tallow to the skillet.

Divide the ground beef into equal portions of 6-8 ounces per patty and form them loosely without compacting.

Press a small indentation into the center of each patty.

Season the patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired.

Place the patties into the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.

Flip the patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes, adjusting time for desired doneness.

Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to retain juices.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F for well done or 145°F for medium.

For cheeseburgers, add cheese during the last minute of cooking and cover the skillet to melt.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens