What temperature should a burger be cooked to?

Ground beef should reach 160°F in the center.

How long do you grill burgers?

About 7 to 9 minutes in total over medium-high heat for 3/4-inch patties.

Classic Grilled Cheeseburger

Thick, juicy grilled beef patties with melted American cheese on toasted sesame buns with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Makes 4.

Vegetarian with swaps High-protein

Contains: milk, wheat, sesame. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

Prep 15 min
Cook 12 min
Total 27 min
Yield 4 burgers
Level Easy

Updated November 4, 2026

Grilled cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles on a sesame bun with fries

A great backyard burger needs only a few things: freshly ground beef with enough fat, gentle handling, a hot grill and a toasted bun. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty so it cooks flat instead of puffing into a ball.

Season only the outside, just before grilling, and flip once.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices American or Cheddar cheese
4 sesame seed buns, split
Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion and dill pickles
Ketchup and mustard

To make it vegetarian

For the ground meat, use a plant-based ground meat, or cooked lentils mixed with finely chopped mushrooms.

Meat substitutes change the flavor, texture and cooking time: cook plant-based meats to the package directions, and tofu and mushrooms only need to brown and heat through. The nutrition on this page is for the original recipe. See all our vegetarian recipes.

What you’ll need

grill
spatula
instant-read thermometer

Instructions

Shape. Divide the beef into 4 portions and gently form patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each. Refrigerate until grilling.
Heat the grill. Heat a grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
Grill. Season the patties with salt and pepper. Grill 4 to 5 minutes, flip, top with cheese and grill 3 to 4 minutes more, until 160°F inside.
Toast the buns. Toast the buns cut side down on the grill for the last minute.
Build. Set the burgers on the buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and condiments.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

650Calories

28 gCarbohydrates

1 gFiber

27 gNet carbs

38 gProtein

42 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

High-protein Grill and BBQ Budget-friendly Vegetarian with swaps

Tips

Do not press down on burgers while they cook; it squeezes out the juices.
Keep the patties cold until they hit the grill so the fat does not melt out early.

Printable: safe cooking temperatures chart (PDF).

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead Freezer-friendly

Shape the patties up to 1 day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator, or freeze them between sheets of parchment up to 3 months. Refrigerate cooked burgers up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet.

Questions about this recipe

What temperature should a burger be cooked to?: Ground beef should reach 160°F in the center.
How long do you grill burgers?: About 7 to 9 minutes in total over medium-high heat for 3/4-inch patties.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: Zinfandel or Syrah, or an amber ale. Wine pairing guide

More beef and steak recipes

All beef and steak recipes | All recipes | Cooking guide and safe temperatures