It’s no secret that I am a big burger fan, and this simple BBQ burger recipe is one of my absolute favorite meals! I mixed sweet and smoky BBQ sauce right into the ground beef to add an extra pop of flavor to every bite. Grilling these burgers (along with my secret ingredient) really takes them to the next level flavor-wise. These are the burgers of the summer!

up close grilled bbq burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles

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While I love a classic burger, I love finding ways to add flavor and mix things up when burger night rolls around. With these simple BBQ grilled burgers, I’ve unlocked the secret to juicy, flavorful burgers from scratch. With just 5 ingredients, these burgers are bursting with flavor and so easy to make. Even my picky kids love them!

What’s in this Simple BBQ Burger Recipe?

Ground Beef: Ground chuck is ideal for burger patties. I recommend meat that is 80% lean and 20% fat. Avoid anything leaner than 85% or you’ll end up with burgers that are dry and tough.
Garlic + Onion: Add savory flavor to the meat.
BBQ Sauce: Adds BBQ flavor right into the burgers. I also like to brush some on top as they cook! Use your favorite brand for the best taste.
Steak Seasoning: This is my secret ingredient for insanely flavorful burgers! I used McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak, but any brand will work to add flavor to the patties.

overhead view of ingredients for bbq burgers.

Tips for Success

My favorite way to cook burgers is on the grill, but you can also make these on the stovetop with a grill pan or skillet. Add a little oil to your pan and let it get hot before cooking the burgers on each side.
For perfectly cooked burgers, oil the grates and preheat the grill while you prepare the burger patties. Placing the burgers on a hot grill ensures delicious grill marks and evenly cooked burgers.
Try not to over-mix the burger patty mixture. Everything should be well-combined, but over-mixing can lead to tough and try burgers.
For evenly cooked burgers, make an indentation in the middle of each burger prior to grilling.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover BBQ burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the grill or in a pan on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve these simple BBQ grilled burgers with some baked sweet potato fries, Instant Pot BBQ baked beans, and corn on the cob.

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How to Make BBQ Burgers Step by Step

Season the Meat: In a large bowl, mix 1½ pounds of ground beef, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 3 tablespoons of onion, 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of steak seasoning together until just combined.

hamburger meat, onion, garlic, spices, and bbq sauce in a glass bowl.

Form the Patties: Shape the meat into 4 equal-sized patties. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each patty.

Grill the Burgers: Grill the burgers over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side, until they reach your desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, brush the tops of the burgers with a little more barbecue sauce. If topping the burgers with cheese, add the cheese and allow it to slightly melt. Remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings and enjoy.