If you’re making burgers at home, you might need to know how long to cook the burgers on the stove. Follow these tips!
Burgers are a versatile family favorite in my home, and while we prefer them on the grill, that’s not always possible year-round. That’s why I want to share how long it takes to cook burgers on the stove so you have a perfect burger every time!
How Long Does It Take To Cook a Burger on the Stove?
The amount of time you’ll cook a burger on the stove depends on how well you want the burger done and how thick the burger is.
A typical raw burger patty is between ¾ inch and 1 inch thick. Burgers will shrink while cooking, so consider this when making patties, especially if you plan to use buns.
A four-inch patty that is about an inch thick is the ideal place to start! It’s better to double up on cooked burger patties than to try to prepare a large burger.
As far as doneness, here are the times and final internal temperatures (before resting) for your burgers:
- Medium-Rare Burgers: These burgers are red in the middle (we don’t recommend this). Cook for 3 minutes each side for a total of 6 minutes. Internal temperature before resting: 130-135°F.
- Medium Burgers: These burgers are pink in the middle. Cook for 4 minutes each side for a total of 8 minutes. Internal temperature before resting: 145°F.
- Medium-Well Burgers: These burgers have a slight pink tinge in the middle. Cook for 5 minutes each side for a total of 10 minutes. Internal temperature before resting: 150-155°F.
- Well-Done Burgers: These burgers have no pink in the middle. Cook for 5 minutes each side for a total of 10 minutes. Internal temperature before resting: 160-165°F.
Rare and Medium-Rare ground beef burgers will likely not reach the FDA-recommended safe temperature. Use caution when preparing and serving undercooked ground beef.
We recommend making burgers that are at least medium-well for adults and well-done for children and the elderly, as these populations are most susceptible to serious illnesses and fatalities surrounding foodborne bacteria.
Our Best Tips for Perfect Burgers Cooked on the Stove
Follow this advice:
- Use only fresh ground beef.
Check your ground beef for freshness by noting the “best by” date on the packaging.
Try to use ground beef within a day or two of purchasing from the store, while also being mindful of the date on the package. Note that sales items may sometimes be deeply reduced in price due to a quickly approaching “best by” date and plan your meals accordingly.
Toss out any beef that is severely discolored, has an unpleasant or unusual odor, or has a slimy or otherwise abnormal texture.
Despite how expensive food costs can be, it’s always best to throw away meat that appears to be bad. The risks are too great!
Also, check with your grocer’s management about return policies if the meat appears to have gone bad — many food retailers stand by their safety and customer satisfaction.
- Preheat the pan.
When preparing burgers on the stovetop, use a non-stick frying pan with edges to collect any grease.
Add a tiny amount of oil if using lower-fat beef.
- Give the burgers plenty of room.
Space between the burgers allows air to circulate and the burgers to sear and cook properly. Burgers that touch will not heat evenly or cook thoroughly.
- Flip when the edges brown.
Once the sides of the burger begin to brown, it’s time to flip them! You do not want to turn burgers over constantly, so wait for this clue and then cook without flipping until done.
- Use a thermometer for accuracy.
A meat thermometer will give you an accurate reading of your burger’s internal temperature.
Insert the thermometer tip halfway through the thickest part of your burger. For food safety, wait for an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Add cheese.
If you’re looking for a cheeseburger, add the cheese after flipping. This will allow it to begin melting while the burger continues to cook.
- Let burgers rest.
Once you’re done cooking, let the burgers rest for at least five minutes on a plate or platter before serving. Do not add them to a bun until they have rested. (This also allows some extra juices to run off and avoids a soggy bun.)
Explore all of our top burger tips!
How to Store Cooked Burgers
Once your burgers are cooked and cooled to room temperature, you can store them for future use.
Place the burgers in a resealable bag, airtight container, or multiple layers of aluminum foil wrapped tightly and completely around the burgers.
You can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, although my personal cutoff limit is 3.
Ready to eat your refrigerated burgers? Use an air fryer or non-stick pan on the stovetop until heated through. It’s important that reheated burgers reach the safe zone of 160°F as well to kill any bacteria that may have been forming while stored.
