how long to cook frozen burgers on grill

How to Grill Frozen Burgers

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Burgers on the grill have a great savory taste with a subtle smoky flavor that is just what we crave for summer outings or social gatherings. But if you are in a pinch and you only have frozen burgers, does that mean no burgers?

No, you can grill frozen burgers without thawing them first and still have that same juicy, flavorful patty in a short time. Here are some tips and information on how to grill frozen burgers.

Cooked burger patties on a cast iron pan, on wooden table.

How Long Does it Take To Grill Frozen Burgers?

As for how long to grill frozen burgers, this recipe calls for about 15 minutes while flipping them every five minutes. However, burger cooking times will vary, depending on your grill, burger thickness and how well done you like them.

For this recipe, since you are cooking the burgers from frozen, you are going to want to cook them to at least an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety reasons. Store-bought ground beef tends to contain a lot of bacteria from the work area. This is why some people choose to grind their own cuts of meat at home in order to enjoy a medium-rare burger.

Grill Temperature for Frozen Burgers

When it comes to grilling them, I recommend keeping the grill temperature at medium-high or lower. If it is too high, it will cook the outside of the burger quicker but leave the inside raw. Be aware that some parts of the grill are hotter than others, so move the burgers around depending on their doneness.

Fight the urge to smash them against the grid of the gas grill for a small fire show. They will lose their round shape, the juices will spill out, and the juices may get into the heat and catch your burgers on fire.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment

Burger patties on a cast iron pan with fresh tomatoes in the background.

4 frozen hamburger patties
Hamburger buns
Desired toppings

Salt and pepper (optional)
Outdoor grill
Grill spatula

Step 2: Preheat Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove burger patties from the freezer and let them thaw for a couple of minutes to make them easier to separate.

Step 3: Separate Burger Patties

Raw burger patties in a package with paper separators.

Separate the burger patties and remove the papers.

Step 4: Season Patties (Optional)

If the patties are not seasoned, sprinkle them with some salt and pepper.

Step 5: Grill the Frozen Burgers

Place the frozen patties on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes (or until the burgers are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F). Keep an eye on the burgers for flare ups. If they are flaring up too much, lower the heat a little.

If you are adding cheese slices, add them during the last few minutes.

Step 6: Remove Patties & Toast the Buns

Cooked burger patties on a cast iron pan.

Remove the burgers from the grill and toast the buns lightly, if desired.

Step 7: Serve!

Add the patties to the hamburger buns with toppings and condiments of your choice. Serve!

Do you like your burgers well-done or medium-rare? Did you enjoy using this technique? Let us know in the comments and please share the recipe!

Cooked burger patties on a cast iron pan, on wooden table.

How to Grill Frozen Burgers

You can grill frozen burgers without thawing them first and still have that same juicy, flavorful patty in a short time.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, German

Servings 4

Calories 231 kcal

▢ 4 frozen hamburger patties
▢ Hamburger buns
▢ Desired toppings
▢ Salt and pepper - optional

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove burger patties from the freezer and let them thaw for a couple of minutes to make them easier to separate.
Separate the patties and remove the papers.
If the patties are not seasoned, sprinkle them with some salt and pepper.
Place the frozen patties on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes (or until the burgers are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F). Keep an eye on the burgers for flare ups. If they are flaring up too much, lower the heat a little. If you are adding cheese slices, add them during the last few minutes.
Toast the buns lightly, if desired. Add the patties to the hamburger buns with toppings and condiments of your choice. Serve!

Outdoor grill

The nutrition information is for 1 standard burger patty, so keep in mind that this will vary.

Calories: 231 kcal Protein: 17 g Fat: 18 g Saturated Fat: 7 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g Cholesterol: 60 mg Sodium: 84 mg Potassium: 304 mg Calcium: 8 mg Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

Looking for more grilling tutorials? Check out How to Grill Onions

Joss D author image

I am Joss, the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!