Easy Cast Iron Hamburgers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy burger. This cast iron burger cooks into a perfectly seared patty nestled between soft buns with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion—a classic done right.

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I love using cast iron for cooking—especially for burgers. The skillet gives them a great sear and that delicious crust. Plus, cooking them in their own juices keeps the patties juicy and flavorful, unlike the dried-out grilled version I tend to make. The skillet version is so much better.

So this post is all about how to cook a hamburger in a skillet. This also means you can have a great hamburger without a grill!

Try my other favorite hamburger recipes like this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet that cooks in one pan, or this Meatball Pasta Casserole that you can dump and bake all the ingredients into a casserole dish. I can’t tell you how many times I have made both of these recipes, they have become my go-to dinners.

Hamburger Ingredients

Ingredients

• Ground Beef—I use one pound of 80/20 ground chuck for flavor and moisture. An 85/15 blend works, too. An 85/12 blend also works well.
• Seasonings – Garlic Powder, kosher salt and ground black pepper.
• Cheese – I’m a fan of melty cheese on a burger and prefer cheddar cheese, but add what you like, or go cheeseless.
• Buns – Use a soft, sturdy, and flavorful bun.
• Olive oil for the pan, or use vegetable oil.
• Condiments – Add your favs. 

Optional Ad-Ins

• Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce if you like.
• You can also add onion powder if you don’t like raw onions on the burger.

How To Cook Burgers In A Skillet

Grab your cast iron, turn on the fan (things might get a little smoky), and let’s fry up some burgers the easy way—no charcoal required.

Step 1. Add the hamburger and the seasonings to a large bowl and gently mix to combine.

Step 2. Divide the hamburger mixture into four equal portions and place on a tray while your skillet heats up.

Step 3. Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat for two minutes, then add the olive oil. You can also use a large skillet of your choice.

Step 4. Add the patties to the hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes for medium-rare, or 5 minutes for medium. Flip the burgers, top with the slices of cheese (if using), and cook for an additional 4 minutes. The cooking time can vary depending on how you like your burgers. 

Cooking Tip – To cook a medium burger, the internal temperature of the meat should reach between 140°F and 145°F. This will result in a juicy burger with a light-pink center and a slightly firmer interior texture.

Step 5. Place the cheeseburgers on the buns and top with your favorite toppings.

My family loves these great-tasting hamburgers for supper, and I think your family will love them too.

Keep That Skillet Hot—Let’s Make Dessert

Once the burgers are done, I highly recommend moving straight to dessert. It’s the natural order of things, right?
Round out the meal with a cast iron dessert. Try a Vanilla Cast Iron Cake, a rustic Apple Skillet Cake, or this fruity Apricot Upside Down Cake with Cherries.

Hamburger FAQs

Recipe

First published: July 04, 2023, Last updated: May 1, 2025 for better readability.

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About Jere’                             

From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending.  Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.