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28 Best Burger Recipes That'll Be the Star of the Cookout
Stick with the classics or try something new!
Whether it's a weeknight dinner or 4th of July cookout, summer is made for firing up the grill for a round of burgers! Juicy, hearty and loaded will all the delicious burger toppings like caramelized onions, melty cheese, and classic burger sauce, there's nothing better than a good ol' burger... just ask Ree Drummond! She's been flipping patties year after year at her 4th of July party. "Our grilled burgers are magical," she says about The Merc celebration, "The line for burgers is always the longest."
These burger recipes include flavor-packed turkey and chicken burgers, lamb burgers and even veggie burgers that are delicious in their own right. Beef burgers and veggie burgers "coexist happily in my world," Ree says. Learn how to make a classic cheeseburger or try a fresh spin on burger night: cheeseburger salad! With sesame bun croutons, cheese-topped burger patties and burger sauce "dressing," there's no skimping on flavor. But don't be afraid to branch out either! The salmon burgers with sesame soy glaze and the Greek-inspired spinach and feta chicken burgers are outrageously tasty.
Just as it's true for grilling up steak dinners and hot dogs, you'll want to refer to our handy guide on burger temperatures to get reach the right doneness (the color of pink depends on how long it takes to grill burgers and vice versa). Serve these burgers with a big spread of other grilling recipes and summer sides for a full feast or keep it simple with just a sack of potato chips. They're bound to steal the show either way!
Classic Cheeseburger
Who can resist a classic? This recipe shows you how to make the perfect cheeseburger every single time with instructions for both the grill and the stovetop. American cheese is a must for optimum meatiness!
Get the Classic Cheeseburger recipe.
Cheeseburger Sliders
Burgers for a crowd are easy thanks to these sliders! Skip flipping dozens of patties and instead pile browned ground beef onto dinner rolls. Some cheddar cheese, pickles, and burger sauce are all the toppings you'll need!
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
Juicy Lucy
This Minneapolis delicacy takes burger night to new heights! Oozing with American cheese and smothered in caramelized onions, it's utterly delicious.
Get the Juicy Lucy recipe.
Lamb Burgers
You may have never thought about using lamb to make burgers, but this Mediterranean-inspired recipe will change your mind. It's full of spice and flavor! If you're not sure you like lamb, use a mixture of half ground lamb and half ground beef to try something new!
Get the Lamb Burgers recipe.
Cheeseburger Salad
For a new spin on burger night, try this hearty salad. Packed with cheese-topped burger patties, sesame bun croutons, and all your favorite burger toppings (burger sauce included!), it doesn't skip even one element of a delicious burger.
Get the Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Homemade Chicken Burgers
Buffalo chicken fans, this burger is for you. Some sour cream and chives give the ground chicken patty moisture and flavor, but it's the buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles that set it apart from the rest.
Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.
Salisbury Steak Burgers
The flavors of comfort food classic salisbury steak make one delicious burger! Skip the gravy that traditionally smothers salisbury steak and opt for silky caramelized onions and an herby burger sauce.
Get Ree's Salisbury Steak Burgers.
Bison Burgers
You may have spotted ground bison in the supermarket, but have you ever made a burger with it? A lean, tasty alternative to a ground beef burger, this patty is juicy and thick. Top with cheddar, tangy bbq sauce, and pickles.
Get the Bison Burgers recipe.
Black Bean Burger
"I don't know how or why these are so good," says Ree Drummond. "They just are!" This meatless black bean burger is a filling and flavorful meal that both veggie eaters and meat lovers alike will enjoy.
Get Ree's Black Bean Burger recipe.
Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers
Burgers don't have to be all about the beef. This burger patty is made with ground chicken that gets a boost of flavor from spinach, feta, and herbs. Creamy tzatziki, pepperoncini peppers, and grilled onion add a burst of brightness.
Get Ree's Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers recipe.
Hawaiian Pizza Burgers
This is not your average burger recipe! Instead, it serves up the flavors of a Hawaiian pizza (including grilled pineapple, ham, and melty cheese) in burger form!
Get Ree's Hawaiian Pizza Burgers recipe.
Turkey Burgers
A weeknight meal that's ready in just 15 minutes? Yes, please! These quick turkey burgers can easily be made on the grill or on the stovetop, and they can also be customized based on your family's preferences.
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Don't tell Ladd Drummond, but Ree is actually a big fan of meatless burgers—especially when they're loaded with hearty beans and chipotle chiles.
Get Ree's Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe.
Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar
These turkey burgers are made with garlic, fresh dill, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce—so they're loaded with flavor. Plus, they get an extra boost of goodness from the crispy bacon and Dijon-mayo.
Get Ree's Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar recipe.
Melty Smash Burger Sliders
There's a reason everyone is obsessed with smash burgers. The patties are smashed thin so every bit gets perfectly seared, but the best part may just be the onions that get smashed right into each patty.
Get the Melty Smash Burger Sliders recipe.
Veggie Burgers
You won't even miss the meat in these tasty burgers. The grain-packed patties are hearty, flavorful, and good for you, too!
Get the Veggie Burgers recipe.
Sausage-and-Peppers Burgers
Here's a fun burger idea: Instead of your typical lettuce and tomato topping, switch things up with sautéed onions, peppers, and melty provolone cheese.
Get Ree's Sausage-and-Peppers Burger recipe.
Everything Burgers
Just like everyone's favorite bagel flavor, these beef burger patties are sandwiched between everything-seasoned buns. They even have a cream cheese and pesto spread.
Get Ree's Everything Burgers recipe.
Salmon Burgers with Sesame-Soy Glaze
These salmon burgers are a great way to introduce more fish into your weeknight routine. They're covered in a sticky glaze and served with a minty cucumber salad.
Get Ree's Salmon Burgers with Sesame-Soy Glaze recipe.
Patty Melts
Whether a patty melt is a sandwich or a burger is still up for debate, but that's not keeping it off this must-try list. The beef patty, melty cheese, griddled onions, and rye bread make this a diner classic worth replicating at home.
Get Ree's Patty Melts recipe.
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