How Long Do You Cook Burgers
Burger cooking time depends on patty thickness, desired doneness, and cooking surface temperature. So how long do you cook burgers? Most thin patties take about 3 to 4 minutes per side, while thick patties can take 6 to 8 minutes per side.
Below you will find exact times for beef, turkey, and smash burgers, plus the temperatures that tell you when they are truly done.
Quick Answer: Burger Cooking Times At A Glance
Use this chart as your starting point. Times are for a preheated pan, grill, or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Thin patty (1/4 pound, 1/2 inch thick): 3 to 4 minutes per side
- Standard patty (1/3 pound, 3/4 inch thick): 4 to 5 minutes per side
- Thick patty (1/2 pound, 1 inch thick): 6 to 8 minutes per side
- Smash burger: 2 minutes on the first side, 1 minute on the second
- Turkey burger: 5 to 6 minutes per side
Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer. Time is a guide, but temperature is the truth.
How Long Do You Cook Burgers
This is the core question, so let’s break it down by the factors that actually change the answer.
Factor 1: Patty Thickness
A thin patty cooks fast because heat reaches the center quickly. A thick patty needs more time, and if you rush it, the outside burns before the middle is safe.
- 1/2 inch thick: 6 to 8 minutes total
- 3/4 inch thick: 8 to 10 minutes total
- 1 inch thick: 12 to 16 minutes total
Factor 2: Desired Doneness
Ground beef can be cooked to different levels, though food safety experts recommend 160°F for the safest result.
- Medium rare: 130 to 135°F (about 3 minutes per side for a 3/4 inch patty)
- Medium: 140 to 145°F (about 4 minutes per side)
- Medium well: 150 to 155°F (about 5 minutes per side)
- Well done: 160°F and above (about 5 to 6 minutes per side)
Note that burgers keep cooking after you pull them off the heat. This is called carryover cooking, and it can raise the internal temp by 5 degrees or so.
Factor 3: Cooking Surface And Temperature
A screaming hot cast iron pan sears faster then a backyard grill on low. Medium-high heat is the sweet spot for most burgers.
- Cast iron skillet: fastest sear, great crust
- Outdoor grill: slightly slower, adds smoke flavor
- Griddle or flat top: even heat, good for smash burgers
- Oven broiler: 4 to 5 minutes per side, less crust
Step-By-Step: How To Cook A Burger Perfectly
- Divide your ground beef into equal portions. Do not overwork the meat.
- Shape each portion into a patty slightly wider then your bun. Press a small dimple in the center to stop puffing.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper right before cooking.
- Heat your pan or grill to medium-high. Add a thin layer of oil if using a pan.
- Place the patties down and do not move them. Let a crust form.
- Flip once after the time listed above for your thickness.
- Insert a thermometer into the side of the patty to check the center temp.
- Pull the burgers at 155°F for medium well, or 160°F for well done.
- Rest the patties for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Should You Press The Patty Down?
No. Pressing squeezes out juice and dries out the meat. Let the patty sit until it releases on its own.
Do You Need To Flip Only Once?
One flip is enough for most burgers. Flipping too often slows the crust and can make the patty tough.
Burger Cooking Times By Meat Type
Beef Burgers
Beef is the classic choice. An 80/20 blend gives you the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Cook a 3/4 inch patty for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium.
Turkey Burgers
Turkey must be cooked all the way through. Aim for 165°F. A 3/4 inch turkey patty needs about 5 to 6 minutes per side.
Chicken Burgers
Ground chicken is lean and dries out fast. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side and stop at 165°F.
Veggie And Plant-Based Burgers
These vary by brand. Most need 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat. Check the package for exact guidance.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Burger Timing
- Starting with a cold pan. Always preheat first.
- Using high heat the whole time. It burns the outside and leaves the inside raw.
- Making patties too thick. Stick to 3/4 inch for even cooking.
- Not resting the meat. Resting keeps the juices inside.
- Relying on time alone. A thermometer removes all the guesswork.
Final Tips For Perfect Burgers Every Time
Keep your patties the same size so they finish together. Let your meat sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. And always clean your thermometer probe between checks.
With these times and temps, you will never serve a dry or undercooked burger again.