Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a classic, juicy burger grilled to perfection, especially when paired with a flavorful secret sauce. This recipe will guide you to make the best burger with a tangy and creamy sauce that takes the whole meal to the next level.

The Best Burger & Secret Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound 80/20 ground beef
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Sesame seed buns, for serving
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet relish
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

Step 1: Heat your grill to medium-high while preparing the burger patties.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into patties about 1-inch thick. Press an indentation into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly without puffing up.
Step 4: Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes on one side, avoiding burning. Flip and cook to your preferred doneness.
Step 5: While the burgers cook, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt in a small bowl to make the secret sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers on sesame seed buns, spread with secret sauce, and add your favorite toppings before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, chill the patties for 15 minutes before grilling to help them hold shape better.
Try adding a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese on top just before removing from the grill for a melty finish.
Customize the secret sauce by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover cooked burgers and secret sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat burgers gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out. The sauce is best served cold or at room temperature for optimal flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but the burgers may be less juicy. Adding a small amount of oil or fat can help keep them moist.

How do I know when the burgers are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For ground beef, 160°F (71°C) is recommended for safe consumption. Cooking times may vary depending on grill heat and patty thickness.

The Best Burger & Secret Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 79 reviews

This classic grilled burger recipe features juicy, perfectly seasoned 80/20 ground beef patties cooked over medium-high heat and topped with a flavorful secret sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt. Served on toasted sesame seed buns, these burgers are an irresistible backyard favorite perfect for any cookout or casual meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Burger Ingredients

1 pound 80/20 ground beef
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Sesame seed buns, for serving

Secret Sauce Ingredients

⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet relish
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure it’s perfectly hot and ready to cook the burger patties evenly.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the 1 pound ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep burgers tender.
Shape Patties: Form the meat mixture into patties about 1 inch thick. Press an indentation into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up in the middle.
Grill Burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook the first side for 4-6 minutes without pressing down or moving them to ensure a good sear. Flip carefully and cook the second side to your desired doneness, typically another 4-6 minutes.
Prepare Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble Burgers: Toast the sesame seed buns on the grill if desired. Place the cooked patties on the buns, add the secret sauce generously, and finish with your favorite burger toppings before serving.

Notes

Make sure not to overwork the ground beef when mixing to avoid tough burgers.
Indent the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging as they cook.
Cooking times depend on grill heat and thickness of patties; use a meat thermometer to ensure safety (160°F for ground beef).
The secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavor melding.
Feel free to customize toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, or cheese.

Keywords: grilled burger, secret sauce, backyard burger, grilled hamburger recipe, easy burgers, summer grilling