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Classic Juicy Grilled Hamburgers Recipe with Easy Homemade Special Sauce

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A simple and delicious recipe for juicy grilled hamburgers paired with a tangy homemade special sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns, lightly toasted (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 4 leaves leaf lettuce
  • 4 thick tomato slices
  • Red onion slices (optional)
  • Cheese slices (optional, cheddar or American)
  • Pickles (optional, sliced)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the patties.
  2. Make the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Gently mix with your hands—don’t overwork it. Divide into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and shape into round patties roughly ¾-inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with white ash. Brush grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Patties: Place patties on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness (internal temperature 160°F). Avoid pressing down on the patties. If adding cheese, place a slice on top during the last minute of cooking and close the lid to melt it.
  5. Toast the Buns: While burgers cook, lightly toast the buns cut side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous tablespoon of the homemade special sauce on the bottom bun. Add a leaf of lettuce, then the hot burger patty. Top with tomato slice, red onion (if using), and pickles. Spread more sauce on the top bun and close the burger.
  7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the burgers fresh off the grill with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use freshly ground 80/20 beef for best juiciness. Avoid overworking the meat to keep patties tender. Press a dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Let patties rest after grilling to redistribute juices. If no grill is available, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stove works well. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled hamburgers, homemade special sauce, juicy burgers, BBQ recipe, easy burger recipe, classic hamburger

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/classic-juicy-grilled-hamburgers-recipe-with-easy-homemade-special-sauce/