Updated on November 14th, 2023
Wondering how long to cook burgers on the George Foreman grill? Here’s the short answer: It takes 4 to 7 minutes to cook a burger in Foreman’s indoor grill, depending on how done you want them.
But it takes more than good timing to prep the perfect burger inside. Read on to find out exactly how to make the best burger with your indoor grill.
The beauty of the George Foreman contact grill is that it allows you to prepare your favorite BBQ meals inside. So rain, wind, and snow won’t keep you from hamburgers, grilled chicken, and hot dogs — assuming you learn how to translate BBQ cook times from the gas or charcoal grill to your electric grill inside.
If you’re a burger lover, the switch to indoor grilling might seem wrong somehow. It’s understandable. But there is an ingredient hack that’ll mimic that outdoor grill flavor. Master that plus the cook time for the perfect, juicy burger, and your charcoal grill may not seem that superior after all.
Making the best hamburgers
As with any grilled recipe, it takes skill and knowledge to create delicious results. And cooking on an indoor grill is no exception. So, it helps to understand the principles for making the best patties before tossing them onto your electric grill. Key steps are choosing the right meat, seasoning it properly, and shaping the patties.
Choosing the meat
Most types of ground beef will make good burger patties, whether it’s sirloin, short ribs, chuck, or Kobe beef. You only need to follow two rules:
- Higher quality meat makes for a better burger. Try grass-fed beef. It is more expensive, but the flavor is delicious.
- Choose meat with 20% fat content. The 80/20 ratio is the best option for the perfectly balanced patty texture and structure. The patties will carry enough fat so your burger is juicy and not dry.
You’re not limited to beef burgers, either. Ground turkey is also an option. Note that the safe cooked temperature for ground turkey is 165°F (74°C), which is higher than the beef threshold of 160°F (71°C). Adjust your cook time accordingly if you’re using turkey.
2. Seasoning
Moderation is crucial when adding seasoning hamburger meat. Purists stick to simple spice combinations, like salt and pepper. A dash of minced garlic goes a long way, too.
Other options that work include parsley, minced shallots, onion powder, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and hot sauce. You could also add a few drops of liquid smoke for that charcoal taste you’d expect from an outdoor grill. My burger recipe below uses parsley, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper.
Also, when you’re adding the spices, start with cold meat that’s flattened out to increase the surface area. Sprinkle the seasonings over the top, then mix the ground beef and seasonings gently with a fork or your hands. Take care not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to a tougher texture.
3. Shaping
Divide the ground beef into equal sizes and gently form patties in your palm. You’ll want the patties to be around ½-inch to ¾-inch thick and about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the middle of each.
More on cook time
As noted, your grilling time should be 4 to 7 minutes. Here are the guidelines:
- 4 minutes for medium rare
- 5 minutes for medium doneness
- 6 minutes for medium well
- 7 minutes for well done
These times have some important assumptions to note:
- You place your patties on the hot grill. Give yourself 5 minutes to preheat the grill before you start cooking.
- You close the lid while cooking.
- The thickness of the burger is 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch. Very thin patties will take less time and thick patties will take more time.
George Foreman Grilled Hamburgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
- 4 burger buns
- 1 tablespoon parsley, freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef in a bowl with Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke. Then, place it in the fridge and turn on the grill. Then, wait for five minutes for the grill to reach the perfect hotness.
- While you wait, take out the ground beef and split it into four equal parts. Mold each portion into a ball between your palms, and press them into circular patties about ½- to ¾-inch thick.
- Position a drip tray directly below the grill and arrange the patties on the hot rack. Place the grill cover and cook the meat for three to five minutes. Check the burgers with a meat thermometer for the preferred doneness. The minimum safe temperature for your burgers is 160F.
- Once ready, move the patties to a plate to rest for 2 to 3 minutes. As you wait, you can toast the buns if desired. Then, pack the patties on your buns and serve with your favorite side dish.
- Also, watch this clip for more tips.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 438Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 878mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 35g
More contact grill recipes to try
You may also like to see how long to cook chicken breasts on a George Foreman grill and how long to cook steak on a George Foreman grill.
Grilling burgers on the George Foreman FAQs
Do I need to flip the burgers?
One of the great things about a George Foreman grill is that it cooks from both sides at once, so there’s no need to flip.
Do I need to use oil or non-stick spray on the grill?
The George Foreman grill is designed to be non-stick, so you generally don’t need to use oil or non-stick spray. However, a little bit of oil can help add some extra flavor and crispness to the burgers. Avoid non-stick spray as it can leave a gummy residue.
Can I cook frozen burgers on a George Foreman grill?
Yes, you can cook frozen burgers on a George Foreman grill. However, the cooking time will be longer than for thawed burgers. Plan on a cook time of about 8 to 10 minutes and use a thermometer to verify doneness.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
The best way to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired level is to use a meat thermometer. For ground beef, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety. If you like your burgers medium-rare or medium, you might aim for a slightly lower temperature.
How do I clean the George Foreman grill after cooking burgers?
After you’ve finished cooking and the grill has cooled down, wipe the grill plates with a damp cloth to remove any remaining food particles. If the plates are removable, you can wash them in warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe.
Can I make cheeseburgers on my grill?
Yes, you can. Add cheese near the end of the cook time and keep the lid open while the cheese melts. If you want to expedite things, you could hold the lid so it’s hovering over the cheese.
