Grill a Juicy Burger with the Only Rub You Ll Ever Need

Elevate your backyard cookouts with this easy and unforgettable recipe for grilling a juicy burger. The secret to mouthwatering perfection lies in "The Only Rub You’ll Ever Need"—a perfectly balanced blend of kosher salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, garlic and onion powders, a hint of brown sugar, and an optional kick of cayenne. Made with 80/20 ground beef for the perfect fat-to-lean ratio, these patties are seasoned generously, grilled to perfection, and topped with melty cheddar cheese if desired. With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll serve up burgers loaded with flavor and topped with classic fixings like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy condiments. Toasted buns add the final touch for the ultimate burger experience. Whether it’s for a casual BBQ or a weeknight meal, this recipe will become your go-to for juicy, flavorful burgers every time.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 4 pieces burger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
• 4 pieces lettuce leaves
• 4 pieces sliced tomatoes
• 4 pieces sliced onions
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375–400°F.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly to create the rub.

Step 3

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (¼ pound each). Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick and slightly wider than your burger buns. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 4

Generously sprinkle the rub on both sides of each burger patty, pressing lightly so the seasoning adheres to the meat.

Step 5

Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook an additional 3–4 minutes for medium doneness. Cook longer if you prefer burgers more well-done.

Step 6

If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

Step 7

Toast the burger buns on the grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute until slightly crispy and warm.

Step 8

Assemble the burgers: Place each patty on the bottom bun and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, or any preferred condiments. Cover with the top bun.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly grilled, juicy burger!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1493.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2382.5

Total Fat 136.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 433.1mg	0%
Sodium 2799.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 155.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.7g	0%
Total Sugars 44.8g
Protein 126.1g	0%

Vitamin D 52.1IU	0%
Calcium 1210.0mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 2600.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.1%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 26.5%