Description
Discover a juicy summer ground beef grill recipe—perfect for backyard meals, packed with flavor, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80 % lean)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the grill)
- Optional: 4 hamburger buns or lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- Prep the grill. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium‑high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium‑high until it’s hot enough to sizzle.
- Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, diced red onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your hands just enough to combine – over‑mixing can make the patties tough.
- Form the patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions (about ¼ lb each). Shape each portion into a round patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps them stay flat while grilling.
- Oil the grill. Brush the grill grates or pan with the tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the patties. Place the patties on the hot grill. Cook for 4‑5 minutes on the first side, until a nice brown crust forms and the edges start to look cooked.
- Flip and finish. Turn the patties over and grill another 3‑4 minutes for medium‑rare, or 5‑6 minutes if you prefer well‑done. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Rest. Transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for 3‑4 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, keeping each bite juicy.
- Serve. Slip each patty into a toasted bun, or serve on a bed of crisp lettuce for a low‑carb option. Top with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or your favorite summer condiments.
Notes
- Use 80 % lean beef. The little fat ensures the patties stay moist on the grill.
- Don’t press the patties. Pressing squeezes out juices and leads to dry burgers.
- Keep the grill hot. A hot surface creates that coveted sear and smoky flavor.
- Let the meat come to room temperature. About 15 minutes out of the fridge helps the patties cook evenly.
- Customize the herbs. If you love mint or basil, add a tablespoon to the mix for a different summer vibe.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Beef recipes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: summer ground beef recipe grill