Go Back

Juicy Spiced Burgers

These burgers are made by blending ground beef with a smoky, flavorful spice mix, then searing them until golden and crispy. The final result is a juicy, tender patty with a deep crust, served on soft buns with classic toppings. The process involves gentle mixing, shaping, and careful cooking to achieve perfect texture and flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 600 grams ground beef (80/20) preferably fresh
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika adds smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon cumin for warmth and depth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for savoriness
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 4 buns brioche buns or potato rolls
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese optional, for melting
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning the beef
  • 1 leaf lettuce for topping
  • 1 slice tomato sliced
  • pickles to taste pickles sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil for searing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Cast-iron skillet or grill
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Gather your ground beef and all spice blend ingredients—smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with the spice blend, mixing just until evenly incorporated—be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender.
  3. Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1.5 cm thick, making a small indent in the center of each to prevent puffing up during cooking.
  4. Preheat your cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, with a slight smoke aroma in the air.
  5. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, spreading it around to coat the surface evenly. Once it starts to shimmer and sizzle, place the patties carefully into the pan.
  6. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes without moving them, until a deep brown crust forms and they release easily from the pan.
  7. Flip the patties gently using a spatula and cook for another 4 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F) for medium doneness.
  8. Place slices of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt into the meat.
  9. Remove the cooked patties from the heat and let them rest for 3 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.
  10. While the patties rest, toast the buns lightly in the same pan or on the grill until golden and slightly crispy.
  11. Assemble the burgers by placing the lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles on the bottom bun, then add the juicy patty with melted cheese on top.
  12. Finish by topping with the top bun, and serve immediately with your favorite sides for a classic, flavorful burger experience.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the spice mix. Adjust the cayenne for heat preference. Resting the burger helps retain juices for maximum tenderness.