Featured Reader Comment
I made a double batch of this and put it in a jar on my counter. My family puts it on everything now — not just burgers. It is the best seasoning I have ever made from scratch.
Karen
The Seasoning That Changed the Way I Make Burgers
I used to think a good burger was all about the meat. Then I started making my own seasoning blend, and everything changed. The right combination of spices does something to ground beef that you just cannot get from a shaker bottle off the grocery store shelf.
This homemade burger seasoning starts with a pantry item you already have – five ingredients that come together in five minutes and make every burger taste like you actually know what you are doing. And you do.
I keep a jar of this on the counter all summer long. It goes on burgers, grilled chicken, pork chops, and just about anything else that hits the grill.
Let’s grill, Y’all!
What I Know After a Lot of Burgers on the Grill
- Use kosher salt, not table salt: Kosher salt has a larger grain and a cleaner flavor. Table salt is more concentrated and can easily make the blend too salty.
- Fresh spices make all the difference: If your paprika or garlic powder has been sitting in the cabinet for more than a year, it has lost its punch. Fresh spices give you a bold, vibrant blend. Check the dates before you mix.
- Mix into the meat or sprinkle on top — both work: Mixing the seasoning into the ground beef before forming patties seasons the burger all the way through. Sprinkling it on right before the grill gives you a flavorful crust on the outside. I like to do both — a little in the meat and a generous sprinkle on each side.
- Make a big batch: This blend keeps for up to 6 months in an airtight jar. Double or triple it, and you have burger seasoning ready for the whole summer with no extra work.
- Season right before cooking: If you sprinkle the seasoning on formed patties and let them sit too long, the salt starts drawing moisture out of the meat. Season and grill within a few minutes for the juiciest results.
Hamburger Seasoning Ingredients
- Kosher salt is the backbone of the blend. It enhances every other flavor in the mix and helps create a beautiful crust on the grill.
- Fresh cracked black pepper brings earthy warmth and a subtle bite that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Sweet paprika adds a rich, slightly sweet depth and gives the blend that deep red color. Swap for smoked paprika if you want a smokier finish.
- Garlic powder brings bold, savory flavor without any of the bite of fresh garlic. It works evenly through the blend every time.
- Onion powder rounds everything out with a mild sweetness that complements the garlic and deepens the overall flavor.
Easy Ways to Customize This Blend
Add heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of chili powder gives the blend a slow, building warmth. Start small and taste as you go.
Go smoky. Swap the sweet paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper, almost BBQ-flavored blend.
Add sweetness. A teaspoon of brown sugar brings a subtle caramel note and helps create a beautiful crust on the grill.
Make it savory. A teaspoon of dried onion flakes alongside the onion powder adds texture and an extra layer of savory flavor.
Try it on more than burgers. This blend is outstanding on grilled chicken thighs, pork chops, salmon, and even grilled vegetables. Keep a jar handy all summer.
Make It Ahead and Have It Ready All Summer
This is one of the easiest make-ahead staples you can keep in your kitchen. Mix it once and it works for weeks.
Store in a mason jar or airtight spice container: Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct heat or sunlight — not right next to the stove.
Shelf life: Up to 6 months when stored properly. The fresher your starting spices, the longer and stronger the flavor holds.
Make a double or triple batch: One batch seasons about 2 pounds of burgers. Double it for a summer’s worth of cookouts without any extra effort.
Label the jar: Write the date on the lid so you always know how fresh it is.
More Grilling Recipes You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- To use, sprinkle liberally on burger patties or mix into ground meat before cooking.
- Store in a sealed container in the pantry.
Nutrition
What To Serve With Grilled Burgers
When grilling seasoning hits, you know I’ll be making the best hamburgers with this seasoning. Serve them alongside other stellar recipes like my Southern Potato Salad, a Watermelon Salad with Feta, and my Mediterranean Pasta Salad!
Commonly Asked Questions
A good starting point is 1 to 2 tablespoons per pound of ground beef. Mix it into the meat before forming patties or sprinkle it generously on each side right before grilling. Taste and adjust to your preference.
Place the seasoning blend in a jar or airtight container. It can be kept in the pantry for up to 6 months. Because it lasts so long, I always recommend you double or triple the recipe to have a big batch of seasoning anytime you need it.
A general guideline is to use 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground meat. However, this can vary depending on personal preference and the intensity of the flavors in your seasoning blend.
Rub a pinch between your fingers and smell it. If the aroma is faint or dull, the spice has lost its strength. Fresh spices should smell bold and vibrant right out of the jar.
If you tried this Burger Seasoning Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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The recipe sounds great. I am going to use it today for a Father’s day cookout. My only question is the meat to seasoning ratio. Is this meant for one to one and a half loundd of beef? I’m cooking 3 pounds, so obviously I was thinking I should double it.
I am so sorry for the late response. I took the day off to be with my family. Anyway, I use about a teaspoon to a teaspoon and a half per burger. I hope that helps.Thank you so much for the terrific rating!
~Donya
Your recipes always inspire me. Happy summer!!!!!
Hey there Shawna!
Thank you so very much for your kind words and your fantastic rating, I am honored that you’re getting inspiration from my recipes, that warms my heart to hear! I hope you enjoy this seasoning and I hope you have a wonderful summer as well, I really appreciate your support!
~Donya
Can’t wait to try this!
Hey there Cheryl!
Thank you so much for your support! I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe once you give it a try, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!
~Donya