How to Cook Burgers on a Pellet Grill – Traeger, Pit Boss, or Other

Pellet grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking by combining the ease of gas grilling with the rich, smoky flavor typically associated with charcoal.

And that’s why they are excellent for cooking tasty burgers!

In this guide, I’ll give you step-by-step instructions on cooking delicious burger patties on your pellet grill and tips on creating the ultimate cheeseburger.

Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Step 1: Select and Prepare Your Beef

Choosing the right beef and preparing it correctly are fundamental steps in grilling the perfect burger patties.

If you buy ground beef from the grocery or your local meat shop, choose a product with a fat content of about 15-20% for flavorful and juicy patties.

However, the best option is to buy a cut of beef and grind it yourself!

Choose Your Cut: The Best Options for Burgers

The choice of beef cut significantly affects the flavor and juiciness of your burgers:

1. Chuck: The gold standard for burgers due to its ideal fat content.
2. Sirloin: Offers a leaner option but still provides enough fat for good flavor and moisture.
3. Brisket: Known for its rich flavor, brisket is an excellent choice for burgers.

Season Your Beef Patties

The seasoning is where you can personalize your burgers:

• Basic Seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential. Salt your patties right before they go on the grill to ensure they retain their moisture.
• Custom Blends: Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile. These spices complement the smoke from the pellet grill.

Form the Patties

Aim for patties that are at least ½ inch thick. This allows for a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. You can also make them a bit thicker if you like to have an extra large and juicy burger.

Step 2: Preheat and Set Up Your Pellet Grill

Proper setup and preheating of your pellet grill are important for grilling the perfect beef burger.

Here’s how to get your grill ready for cooking:

1. Clean the Grill: Make sure that the grates are clean to start fresh.
2. Check Pellet Levels: Fill the hopper with high-quality hardwood pellets, like hickory or oak, which are ideal for beef.
3. Preheat the Grill: Set your pellet grill to preheat to a high temperature of 450-500°F to sear the burgers effectively.

Step 3: Let’s Grill Some Burgers!

Grilling the perfect beef burger on a pellet grill involves more than just throwing patties on the heat.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the Burgers on the Grill:
   • Once your grill is preheated, place the burgers directly over the hottest part of the grill to start. This initial high heat will help sear the outside, creating a flavorful crust.
2. First Flip:
   • After about 3-4 minutes, or once you see juices pooling on the top of the burgers and good grill marks have formed, flip them. This will help to cook them evenly and seal in the flavors.
3. Second Phase of Cooking:
   • Lower the grill temperature to about 350°F. Continue cooking the burgers for another 3-4 minutes for medium rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness.
4. Adding Cheese:
   • If you’re making cheeseburgers, you can add a slice of cheese to each burger during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt perfectly (I did not do this because I prefer my cheese not to melt).
5. Rest the Burgers: After cooking, let your burgers rest for a few minutes off the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring a moist bite.

Wondering how to get the perfect doneness?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature by inserting it sideways into the center of the burger:

• Rare: Cook to an internal temperature of 120-125°F.
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F.
• Medium: 140-145°F.
• Medium Well: 150-155°F.
• Well Done: 160°F and above.

Tips for Mastering Burger Toppings and Buns

The choice of toppings and the type of bun will dramatically affect the overall taste and presentation of your grilled burgers.

Next, I’ll explain how to select the perfect toppings and buns to complement your juicy pellet-grilled patties!

Choosing the Right Cheese

1. Cheddar: A classic choice that offers a sharp, tangy flavor.
2. Swiss: Mild and nutty, it melts beautifully and pairs well with mushrooms or caramelized onions.
3. Gruyère: Rich and creamy with excellent melting properties, perfect for adding a gourmet touch to cheeseburgers.
4. Blue Cheese: For a more adventurous choice, blue cheese adds a bold, tangy kick to any burger.

Choosing and Toasting the Perfect Bun

Selecting the right type of bun is essential as it holds all the ingredients together and contributes to the burger’s flavor and texture.

1. Brioche Buns: Slightly sweet, buttery, and soft, brioche buns are ideal for their ability to hold up to hefty toppings without falling apart.
2. Sesame Seed Buns: Add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the burger’s overall taste.
3. Pretzel Buns: Dense and chewy, these buns offer a distinct flavor and sturdy texture, perfect for loaded burgers.
4. Whole Wheat Buns: A healthier option that adds a robust flavor and texture.

Toasting the Buns:

• Lightly butter the cut sides of the buns and place them on the upper rack of your pellet grill for 1-2 minutes. Toasting enhances the flavor and prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the burger juices.

Tips for Choosing a Pellet Grill & Pellets

Selecting the right pellet grill and hardwood pellets is important for achieving perfectly cooked beef burgers.

Key Features to Consider in Pellet Grills

When choosing a pellet grill, prioritize these features:

1. Temperature Control: Opt for grills that offer a broad temperature range and precise controls, enabling both high-heat searing and slow cooking.
2. Build Quality: Durable materials like stainless steel ensure longevity and consistent performance.
3. Cooking Space: Assess the grill size based on how many burgers you usually cook simultaneously.
4. Pellet Efficiency: A larger hopper reduces refill frequency, and efficient pellet use maintains stable temperatures.
5. Ease of Cleaning: Features like removable grease trays simplify maintenance.

Here are a few guides to help you choose:

• Best Pellet Grills Under $500
• Best Built-In Pellet Grills
• Pit Boss vs Traeger Pellet Grills

Choosing Wood Pellets for Flavor

The type of wood pellets you choose will significantly impact the flavor of your grilled beef burgers.

Best types of wood pellets for burgers:

1. Hickory:
   • Provides a strong, smoky flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of beef.
   • Ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced smoke profile in their burgers.
2. Mesquite:
   • Offers an intense, earthy flavor that is stronger than hickory.
   • Best used sparingly due to its potent smoke output, which can overpower the meat’s natural flavors.
3. Oak:
   • Delivers a medium smoky flavor that is less intense than hickory or mesquite.
   • Good for longer grilling sessions as it burns clean and hot without overwhelming the burger.
4. Apple:
   • Provides a milder, sweeter smoke that complements beef without dominating the taste.
   • Excellent choice for those who prefer a subtler smoke flavor.
5. Cherry:
   • Adds a mild, fruity smoke that enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
   • Works well mixed with stronger woods like hickory or oak.

 I hope you found this guide useful for cooking perfect burgers on you pellet grill!

And remember, every griller has their unique style and preferences. The more you grill, the more you’ll discover about what techniques and flavors work best for you.

So keep your pellet grill fired up, keep experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results of your efforts.

Happy grilling!

-Joonas