Grilling season is here, and it's time to become a burger master. Whether you prefer a loaded burger or a minimalist ketchup-only version, we've got you covered with the ultimate grilled burger recipe.

Start with a Clean Grill. Ensure a clean cooking surface by scrubbing your grill grates with a brush and oiling them lightly before grilling.

Choose the Right Ground Beef. For juicy and flavorful burgers, opt for ground beef with an 80/20 mix of lean beef and fat. This ratio guarantees excellent results on the grill.

Keep the Meat Cold. To prevent dry and dense burgers, keep the ground beef cold and shape the patties quickly. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill.

Avoid Over-Mixing the Meat. Gently fold in your desired seasonings without overworking the meat. Overmixing leads to dry and crumbly burgers. To check if the meat is properly mixed, flatten a small piece in your hand. If it sticks together, you're good to go.

Get the Size Right Shape. your patties to be approximately 1 inch thick at the edges and slightly larger than the bun to account for shrinkage during cooking.

To Dimple or Not to Dimple? Creating a wide, shallow depression in the center of the patty prevents it from puffing up. This helps maintain a uniform shape and reduces shrinkage. Avoid excessive handling of the meat while shaping the patties.

Charcoal or Gas Grill? While wood or charcoal grills add extra flavor, gas grills are convenient and can still produce fantastic burgers. Preheat your grill to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit before grilling.

Grilling Time Cooking. times vary depending on your preferred doneness and patty thickness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, aiming for 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done burgers.

Flip, Don't Press. Resist the urge to press down on your burgers while grilling. This helps retain juices and flavors. However, feel free to flip the burgers frequently for even cooking.

Cheese and Bun Toasting. Add cheese to your burgers about a minute before they finish cooking. Toast the buns with a buttered top and bottom on the back of the grill until golden, starting when there's a minute left on the patties.

Let Them Rest. Allow the burgers to rest for a minute off the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more flavorful burger.

Customize Your Flavors. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different cuts of meat, seasonings, or add-ins like mushrooms, herbs, or cheese. Get creative and enjoy your juicy and delicious burgers!