Make Ahead Hamburger Patties
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Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, and our go-to dinner rotation often includes these Make Ahead Hamburger Patties. I like to get the kids involved by assigning each of them a night to plan and cook the meal—it’s a great way for them to build kitchen confidence, and it gives me a much-appreciated break. When burgers are on the menu (which they often are!), we skip the store-bought patties and make our own from scratch. These homemade patties are simple to season, easy to shape, and freeze beautifully, making them a smart way to prep ahead for busy nights or impromptu BBQs.
My boys are burger fans through and through, but I don’t let them off easy with pre-formed patties from the store. BUrgers are the one time you don’t want to use lean ground beef. I use 80/20 ground beef for maximum juiciness, and I have them mix the seasoning right into the meat. That way, the flavor is built in, not just sitting on the surface where it’s likely to burn off on the grill. Shaping the patties by hand also teaches them to be mindful of portioning and texture, plus it’s a hands-on way to connect with their food. Once the patties are prepped, we either fire up the grill or freeze a stack between parchment sheets so we’re always ready when the craving hits.
This Make Ahead Hamburger Patties recipe is a total win for our busy summer evenings. And the best part? You can prep a whole batch at once and stash them in the freezer for future cookouts, weeknight dinners, or anytime burger cravings strike. It’s one of those small habits that make homemade feel just as convenient as store-bought, with way more flavor and fun.
Ingredients for Make Ahead burger Patties
- PAPRIKA
- BLACK PEPPER
- SEA SALT
- BROWN SUGAR
- GARLIC POWDER
- ONION POWDER
- GROUND BEEF
Instructions for Homemade burger Patties
In a small bowl, stir together all your spices until well mixed. This blend will bring bold, savory flavor to every bite of your burgers.
Place the ground beef in a large bowl and add about ¾ of the spice mixture. Gently combine the meat and seasoning—be careful not to overwork it to keep the patties tender.
Shape the mixture into ¼ lb or ⅓ lb patties, depending on your preference, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix over both sides of each patty for an extra boost of flavor.
At this point, you can grill them right away or freeze them for later. To freeze, place the baking sheet in the freezer until the patties are solid. Once frozen, stack them in a gallon-size freezer-safe bag, placing a piece of parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.
This recipe yields 6–8 patties, making it great for meal prep or last-minute BBQ plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these patties ahead of time and refrigerate them?
Yes! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I freeze the patties?
Absolutely. Freeze the patties in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once solid, stack them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between each to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3–4 months.
Should I thaw frozen patties before cooking?
You can cook them straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes per side. For more even cooking, thaw overnight in the fridge.
What kind of ground beef should I use?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest results. The higher fat content helps keep the patties moist and flavorful during cooking.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Avoid overmixing the meat, and gently shape the patties without compacting them too tightly. Chilling them before cooking also helps them hold their shape.
Can I season the patties after forming them?
You can, but mixing the seasoning into the meat ensures more even flavor throughout. A light sprinkle on the outside adds a nice finishing touch.
How long should I cook the patties? For fresh patties:
- ¼ lb: 3–4 minutes per side
- ⅓ lb: 4–5 minutes per side Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
What are some fun ways to serve these patties?
Try a DIY burger bar with toppings like caramelized onions, avocado, bacon, a variety of pickles or specialty cheeses. Or go bun-free and serve them over salad, in lettuce wraps, or crumbled into rice bowls.
FOR MORE Burger RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Mushroom Swiss Hamburgers
- Hamburger Sliders
- Chicken Fried Hamburgers with Gravy
Make Ahead Hamburger Patties
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 lbs ground beef
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all the spices mix together.
- Add the ground beef to another bowl along with 3/4 of the spice mix. Mix to combine.
- Shape meat into 1/4 lb or 1/3 lb hamburger patties and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle both sides of burger with a little bit of leftover spice mixture. Use immediately or freeze. If freezing, after frozen solid stack into a gallon sized freezer safe bag with pieces of parchment in between each layer. Makes 6-8 patties.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Happy Money Saver.
