How Long Should You Grill Your Burgers?

The sound of burgers sizzling on the grill is pure magic. As the smoky aroma fills the air, friends gather around, each claiming their favorite patty. Summer grilling season is the perfect opportunity to show off your grilling skills and enjoy time with loved ones.

Knowing the right grilling time for your burgers can be tricky. You want those perfect grill marks without turning the beef into a tough patty. Plus, everyone has their own ideal level of doneness. Keep reading to discover the perfect grill times and pro tips from pitmaster Rodney Scott for making the juiciest burgers.

How to Prepare Burgers for Grilling

The key to a great burger lies in the meat. Opt for 80/20 ground chuck for a juicy, flavorful burger with the perfect balance of tenderness and firmness.

Before grilling, season your ground beef with salt, pepper, and aromatic spices. 'I like to mix my sauce directly into the meat,' says Scott. 'The flavors truly shine when the fat, meat, and flame blend together.'

Form your patties to your preferred thickness, but be careful not to overwork the meat. Excessive handling can lead to a tough, chewy texture once grilled.

How Long Should You Grill Your Burgers?

The USDA advises cooking ground meat to an internal temperature of 160°F, though some people prefer a slightly red or pink center. To get it just right, keep a meat thermometer handy to know when to take your burger off the heat.

The grilling time for your burger depends on the patty’s thickness and how well-done you want it. Use these guidelines for a 3/4-inch to 1-inch beef patty to get it perfectly cooked.

Medium-Rare: Grill each side for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

Medium: Cook for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per side, or until the thermometer reads 140-145°F.

Medium Well/Well Done: Grill for 4 1/2 to 5 minutes per side, or until the temperature reaches 155-160°F.

Thicker patties need more time on the grill, so keep an eye on them and be patient. These times assume you're using high, direct heat — cooking on lower heat won't give you that perfect, charred crust that makes grilling so enjoyable.

More Tips for the Perfect Burger on the Grill

• Scott likes his burgers "classic with a few accessories." He adds bold ingredients like fish sauce, steak seasoning, and smoked bacon for unbelievably delicious results.
• Try an upside-down burger. "You put your grilled burger into a bun, flip it upside down, and let the juice run down into it," says Scott. The thick top bun absorbs the juice and makes that first bite even better."
• High-quality beef is your best chance at a great burger. Scott gets grass-fed patties delivered to his door via ButcherBox. "It's makes it so much easier to get the party started," he explains. "And you get to experiment at home first before cooking for other people."
• "The most important thing to keep in mind is that the process should be fun," states Scott. "Bring the conversation to the grill and just enjoy yourself."