20 Juicy Burger Recipes That Meat Lovers Will Drool Over

A simple hamburger hardly needs instructions. First, make a patty out of ground beef. Then, cook it in a pan, on the grill, or for a few minutes under the broiler.

But don’t settle for simple when it comes to your homemade hamburgers. There’s a whole burger world to explore and here are 20 recipes that go far beyond ketchup and cheese.

Enjoy!

Burger Recipe with In-N-Out Style Sauce

Picture courtesy of Serious Eats

Moved away from the West Coast, and miss In-N-Out Burger? Make them yourself with this copycat recipe.

The secret sauce is a blend of ketchup, mayo, sweet pickle relish, and white vinegar. As the beef patties cook, they get brushed with yellow mustard. Serve on a soft bun, and top with big slices of tomato and crisp lettuce.

Serves 6

Ingredients

2 lbs. ground chuck

6 whole-wheat hamburger buns

6 slices American cheese

1 onion, sliced

2 tomatoes, sliced

Head of lettuce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 Tbsp. ketchup

2 Tbsp. pickle relish

1 tsp. white vinegar

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

18 dill pickle chips

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 399

Protein: 17 grams

Carbs: 35 grams

Fat: 24 grams

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Waffle Fry Slider

Picture courtesy of Neighbor Food

At fast food restaurants, some people like to pile their French fries on top of the burger patty to enjoy it all in one bite. But if you prefer the crunch of crispy fries, why not leave out the bun altogether?

These burgers are as fun to serve as they are to eat. Whether you’re having a summer party for adults or kids, everyone will like this twist on backyard burgers.

Serves 4

Ingredients

20 oz. frozen waffle fries

1 lb. ground beef

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 red onion, sliced

4 oz. sliced cheddar cheese, cut into squares

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 614

Protein: 45 grams

Carbs: 40 grams

Fat: 30 grams

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Crispy Quinoa Vegetable Burger

Picture courtesy of Corky Pollan, et al.

If you’re not sure how to make a good veggie burger, look to the winner of the Gourmand Award.

The Pollan Family Table: The Best Recipes and Kitchen Wisdom for Delicious, Healthy Family Meals comes from a famous family – at least in the food world. The sister and mom of Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, came together to create this fully illustrated collection of irresistible yet practical recipes.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 Tbsp. finely chopped scallions

1/2 cup peeled and finely chopped carrots

1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

1 large clove garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 large egg

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

4 multigrain hamburger buns

1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 593

Protein: 18 grams

Carbs: 78 grams

Fat: 26 grams

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Guacamole Burgers with Roasted Corn & Mango Salsa

Picture courtesy of Le Crème de la Crumb

This Southwestern burger is a fiesta of flavors with homemade guacamole, roasted corn, cotija cheese, and mango-red pepper salsa on a juicy beef patty.

Of course, you can use these same toppings to infuse any type of burger with Mexican flavor – including turkey burgers, veggie burgers, and grilled chicken sandwiches. For that reason, the ingredients and nutrition facts below don’t include the burger patty or bun.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Mango & Red Pepper Salsa:

2 small mangoes, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 white onion, diced

1/4 red onion, diced

3 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Grilled Corn (Elotes):

1 ear sweet corn, kernels removed

2 Tbsp. non-fat plain Greek yogurt

2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

1/4 tsp. chili powder

1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 lime

2 oz. cotija cheese, grated (or Parmesan)

Guacamole:

2 avocados, mashed

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

2 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 362

Protein: 7 grams

Carbs: 27 grams

Fat: 25 grams

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Cajun Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Picture courtesy of Cook like a Cavewoman

No time to chop up a bunch of veggies for toppings, let alone make a fancy from-scratch sauce? Sometimes all it takes to elevate a simple burger is a great seasoning blend.

This hamburger recipe puts Cajun seasoning to good use. And although it also includes instructions for caramelized onions, dinner will still feel complete if you stick to tomato, lettuce, and jalapeno.

Serves 3

Ingredients

1 medium sweet yellow onion

1 1/2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. grass-fed ground beef

2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 whole-wheat hamburger buns

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 462

Protein: 35 grams

Carbs: 25 grams

Fat: 24 grams

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Sweet & Sour Pork Burgers with Pineapple Slaw

Picture courtesy of girlichef

Turn your go-to Chinese takeout meal into a succulent pork burger. The ground meat is glazed in your favorite sweet and sour sauce, which complements the fresh slaw of cabbage, pineapple, bell pepper, and cilantro.

These pineapple burgers don’t take very long to make, but their sweet and sour flavor will stick in your memory every time you fire up the grill.

Serves 6

Ingredients

Sweet & Sour Burgers:

2 lb. lean ground pork

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. sweet and sour sauce, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

6 whole-wheat burger buns

Pineapple Slaw:

6 oz. fresh trimmed pineapple, cut into thin strips

5 oz. trimmed Napa cabbage, cut into thin slices

4 oz. bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 556

Protein: 34 grams

Carbs: 43 grams

Fat: 28 grams

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Italian Sausage Burger

Picture courtesy of Food Hunter’s Guide

Can’t decide between a frankfurter and a hamburger? Make a patty out of quality sausage, and you’ll get the best of both comfort foods.

Sautéed peppers and onions, provolone cheese, and garlicky broccoli rabe complete the upgrade of this Italian sub. These burgers taste best when served on soft ciabatta rolls.

Serves 2

Ingredients

12 oz. lean Italian turkey sausage

1 oz. sharp provolone cheese, shaved

2 ciabatta rolls

5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 large onion, sliced thin

2 red bell peppers, sliced into 1/4” strips

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 777

Protein: 37 grams

Carbs: 32 grams

Fat: 57 grams

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Spring Lamb Burger

Picture courtesy of Salt Lake Tribune

It’s true that all protein is good protein, but it’s good to mix things up because each meat comes with slightly different benefits.

While beef tends to be lower in cholesterol, lamb is lower in total fat. Or you can use a blend of ground meat to enjoy the best of both, including lamb’s ability to pair with cool flavors like cucumber and mint.

Serves 4

Ingredients

3/4 lb. ground lamb

1/2 lb. extra-lean ground beef

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/3 cup light mayonnaise

1/2 cup low-fait plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

1 small shallot, roughly chopped

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

4 burger buns, toasted

6-inch segment of English cucumber, thinly sliced

1 large tomato, sliced and salted

2 cups watercress

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 450

Protein: 37 grams

Carbs: 28 grams

Fat: 21 grams

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French Onion Soup Slider

Picture courtesy of Buns in my Oven

Classic burgers are tasty, but they’re also a great platform for traditional flavor combinations like French onion soup. This is a glorified cheeseburger for sure – complete with tender onions sautéed in butter and topped with melted gruyere cheese.

These make a good appetizer on game day, but one slider is also a great small lunch with 30 grams of protein and only half that in terms of both carbs and fat.

Serves 12

Ingredients

2 sweet onions

3 Tbsp. butter

2 lbs. ground beef

2 Tbsp. beef base

1 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. celery seed

1/2 tsp. butter

8 oz. Grand Cru gruyere, grated or thinly sliced

12 toasted slider buns (or hard dinner rolls), split in half

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 317

Protein: 30 grams

Carbs: 15 grams

Fat: 15 grams

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Thai Salmon Burger with Cucumber-Avocado Salsa

Picture courtesy of The Dim Sum Diaries

This salmon patty is delicious whether you serve it on a bun or as an open-faced burger on thick toast.

Add the salmon filets in a food processor, and pulse together with Thai red curry paste, red onion, and soy. Then it’s topped with homemade salsa of cucumbers and avocado. A little fresh cilantro or Thai basil brings it all together.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Salmon Burgers:

18 oz. boneless skinless salmon fillets, cut into chunks

2 Tbsp. Thai red curry paste

1/2 medium red onion, cut into chunks

Large handful of cilantro

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 1/2” fresh ginger root, grated

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Salsa:

1 small cucumber, diced

1 avocado, diced

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 large tomatoes, diced

Handful of cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1/2 lemon

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Pinch of chili flakes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 439

Protein: 28 grams

Carbs: 18 grams

Fat: 31 grams

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Meatloaf Bacon Burgers

Picture courtesy of The Post Game

If you have reason to celebrate – whether you completed a race, hit a training goal, or just survived a stressful work week – then this sirloin and brisket burger is a delicious way to pat yourself on the back.

The two cuts of beef are mixed with panko bread crumbs, brushed with ketchup, and wrapped in bacon before going in the oven. When the meatloaf is cooled, it’s sliced and finished with a few minutes on the grill.

Serves 12

Ingredients

1 lb. ground sirloin

1 lb. ground beef brisket

6 large eggs

1/2 medium onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. dried basil

1 Tbsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup ketchup

12 slices bacon

12 whole-wheat hamburger buns

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 463

Protein: 26 grams

Carbs: 32 grams

Fat: 26 grams

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Green Hatch Chile & Black Bean Burger

Picture courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen

Want a burger with a full serving of fruit? Top it with thick slices of avocado and tomato. For even more plant-based nutrition, this Southwestern burger patty is made with black beans, sweet corn, and two kinds of peppers.

That’s a whole lot of flavor, but for even more, replace ketchup with your favorite salsa or homemade guac.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 red onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 large green chile, seeded and finely diced

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. chipotle chili powder

1 can (16 oz.) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup sweet corn

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 large egg (or flax egg)

1/2 cup oat flour

Nutrition Facts (Per Patty)

Calories: 141

Protein: 7 grams

Carbs: 23 grams

Fat: 3 grams

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Asian Tuna Burger

Picture courtesy of Hummusapien

Once you make this Sriracha cashew cream, you’ll want to try it on everything, including other burgers, as a veggie dip, and when thinned with a little water on cabbage slaw for a salad.

Then again, it’s also good on this almond tuna burger. It’s a great way to transform the usual pantry goods like canned tuna and crackers into a unique and spicy meal.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Cashew Cream:

1/2 cup cashews, soaked

1/4 cup water

2 tsp. minced ginger

2 tsp. soy sauce

2 tsp. Sriracha

1 tsp. pure maple syrup

 Tuna Burgers:

30 Almond Blue Diamond Nut Thins

1/4 cup almond meal

1 large egg

3 Tbsp. diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp. minced ginger

1 tsp. Sriracha

1 tsp. pure maple syrup

2 cans (5 oz. each) tuna, drained

2 Tbsp. oil

4 whole-wheat burger buns

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 608

Protein: 31 grams

Carbs: 68 grams

Fat: 27 grams

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Bacon Blue Cheeseburger Pizza

Picture courtesy of Country Cleaver

What never fails to upgrade a burger? A thick slice of bacon (or two). And in this recipe, the unbeatable bacon cheeseburger is transformed into an awesome pizza.

Really you can use this as a guide to assemble any kind of burger pizza, but there’s no need to mess with it if you love blue cheese and crimini mushrooms. If you want a more kid-friendly combo, swap those out for shredded white cheddar, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 whole-wheat pizza dough

1/2 lb. ground beef, cooked

4 sliced bacon, cooked and chopped

1/2 onion, caramelized

8 oz. crimini mushrooms, sliced

4 Tbsp. butter, divided

1 cup low-fat chunky blue cheese dressing

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 845

Protein: 50 grams

Carbs: 61 grams

Fat: 45 grams

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Sage & Apple Turkey Burger

Picture courtesy of Busy But Healthy

Compared to ground beef, turkey isn’t quite as good at retaining moisture. But there’s a healthy way to combat that: apples, onions, and zucchini.

The grated fruits and veggies get mixed into the ground turkey. Along with a little fresh sage, these turkey burgers are amazing to eat whether it’s time for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground turkey

1/3 cup grated apple

1/3 cup grated onion

1/2 cup grated zucchini

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. fresh sage leaves, chopped

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 84

Protein: 14 grams

Carbs: 3 grams

Fat: 2 grams

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Pomegranate Feta Bison Burger

Picture courtesy of Running to the Kitchen

Succulent duck with oranges is delicious, as are turkey with cranberries, chicken with apricot, and pork with pineapple. So why not combine bison with tart pomegranate for a gourmet burger?

Bison makes a fantastic burger patty, and it’s also a nutritious meat to work into your meal plan. Not only does bison have less fat than beef, but it’s lower in cholesterol than chicken.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion, diced

1 Tbsp. butter

1 lb. ground bison

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup crumbled feta

Arils (seeds) from 1 pomegranate

Splash of Worcestershire

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup pomegranate juice

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 Tbsp. water

Couple handfuls of watercress

4 brioche hamburger buns

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 697

Protein: 36 grams

Carbs: 59 grams

Fat: 36 grams

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Maple Bison Blueberry Burger

Picture courtesy of Noshing with the Nolands

This burger brings to mind not idling at the fast-food window, but traversing the wilds to forage and hunt. The tart blueberries and sweet maple syrup do an excellent job of taming the flavor of bison, which is gamey compared to beef.

But you can use any kind of ground meat to make these unique burgers, which are finished with brie, sautéed shallots, and a touch of adobo chile sauce.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 lb. ground bison

1 large egg, beaten

1/4 cup bread crumbs

1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

Garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. butter, divided

3 shallots, sliced

3 oz. brie, sliced

4 hamburger buns

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp. adobo sauce from canned chipotles

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 678

Protein: 38 grams

Carbs: 42 grams

Fat: 39 grams

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Buffalo Chickpea Burgers

Picture courtesy of Veggies Don’t Bite

If your household is new to meatless meals, you’ll want to give these chickpea burgers a try. These veggie patties are full of carrots, celery, cauliflower, and – most importantly – cayenne hot sauce for that Buffalo burger kick.

Spicy vegan pistachio cream tops it off with even more Frank’s red hot flavor. And these chickpea burgers freeze well, so you’ll be glad to have extra.

Serves 15

Ingredients

2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed + 6 Tbsp. water)

3 cans (15 oz. each) chickpeas

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped cauliflower

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1 cup gluten-free oats

1 cup almond meal

3/4 cup Buffalo cayenne pepper hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

15 sprouted wheat hamburger buns

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 478

Protein: 22 grams

Carbs: 77 grams

Fat: 11 grams

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Banh Mi Tofu Burger

Picture courtesy of Seattle Mag

An easy way to enjoy tofu – and make it addictively delicious – is this take on Vietnamese banh mi. To recreate the popular street food, pan-fried tofu is topped with shaved carrots, radish, and onion. There are also two kinds of herbs, cilantro and basil, to make this tofu burger not only quick but fresh.

Since these are typically served on baguettes, look for a French-style roll to complete the banh mi experience.

Serves 1

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. cashew cream (or mayo)

1/2” piece of jalapeno

1/2 tsp. rice vinegar

2 leaves Thai basil

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 carrot

1/4 onion, sliced

1/2” piece white (daikon) radish

2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro

1/2” thick piece of firm tofu, 3” square (about 5 oz.)

1 French hamburger bun

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 398

Protein: 18 grams

Carbs: 41 grams

Fat: 20 grams

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Hawaiian Portobello Burgers

Picture courtesy of The No Fuss Vegan

If you need a vegan burger option for your backyard cookout, this is it. Honestly these Hawaiian burgers are so good, you’ll need to make extras because carnivores will want a taste too.

And they’re as easy to make as a simple hamburger. The Portobello mushroom caps just get seasoned with a little soy sauce, salt, and pepper before going on the grill.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 Portobello caps

1 large Vidalia onion, diced or sliced into rings

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

4 pineapple rings, fresh or canned

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 whole-wheat burger bun

Lettuce

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 331

Protein: 17 grams

Carbs: 65 grams

Fat: 3 grams

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What did you think of these burger recipes? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!