By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 7, 2024
Any time I have some ground chuck on hand, I turn to these delicious burger recipes for easy meals I know the whole family will love. A classic beef hamburger or cheeseburger is always a good idea for summer cookouts and barbecues–you just can’t beat a simple burger and fries! But I love to get creative with the burger patties and toppings to make more unique recipes too. These are all of my best burger ideas for dinners with the family, and they’re all so easy to make!
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Tasty Burger Ideas for Dinner
Everyone in my family is equally excited when I announce that we’re having burgers for dinner, and I’m glad that they’re so easy to cook! Whether I’m grilling, cooking on the stovetop, or even using one of my handy kitchen appliances to help me out, it’s always such a simple meal. Most of these recipes are ready in 30 minutes!
But I like to keep things interesting, so I don’t just want to make the same burger recipes over and over again…even though I could because a classic hamburger is still undeniably delicious. Juicy beef patties with my favorite burger seasoning , cooked to medium (click to check out our handy chart for best temps), with the best toppings and fresh burger buns is nothing to scoff at!
I have so many fun and unique burger ideas though, so I switch things up every time I make them. And I’m excited to share my favorite recipes with you, so your family can have the best burger night at home too!
Simple Hamburger Recipes
Make a classic burger (or cheeseburger) with these simple how-tos. These are the recipes I use most often, because everyone can just add their favorite burger toppings!
- Juicy Grilled Burgers : This is the first recipe I make when the weather gets warmer and the grill comes out. Grilling burgers is simple enough for weeknight meals and perfect for cookouts!
- Stovetop Burgers : It only takes a couple of ingredients to make simply-seasoned burger patties, and less than 10 minutes to pan-fry them to perfection.
- Oven-Baked Burgers : I want to make burgers all year, not just in the summer, and this oven-baked recipe is perfect for all seasons!
- Instant Pot Hamburgers : When I realized I could cook super juicy burger patties in an Instant Pot, all my dinnertime woes were solved. It’s so quick and easy!
- Air Fryer Hamburgers : I love using my Air Fryer to cook simple burgers in just 15 minutes! The patties come out perfectly juicy.
Cowboy Burgers
Beef Burger Recipes
Juicy, flavorful, and always satisfying, these burger ideas are made with simple beef patties and loaded with the best toppings.
- Cowboy Burgers : I love a good burger loaded up with toppings, and this recipe checks all the boxes. I top them with cheese, bacon, avocado, onion rings, and spicy mayo!
- Caramelized Onion Swiss Burgers : These beef burgers are grilled then topped with sweet caramelized onions and melty swiss cheese.
- Mushroom Swiss Burgers : I seasoned beef with rosemary to get an extra herby kick, then added flavorful mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and fresh arugula. This recipe always makes me feel just a little bit gourmet.
- Butter Burgers : This is one of my most popular burger recipes, and for good reason! It’s mouthwateringly delicious thanks to the butter-soaked buns, melty cheese, and sautéed onions.
- Smash Burgers : These are cooked in a skillet for perfectly crispy edges (like your favorite diner burgers), then topped with cheese and served on potato buns.
- BBQ Burgers : I’ll put BBQ sauce on anything I can, and it makes perfect sense to slather it onto these grilled burgers. Finger-lickin’ good!
Turkey Burgers
Turkey Burger Recipes
These are my favorite recipes for turkey burgers–they’re really good for those nights when I want a lighter option!
- Turkey Burgers : I love a good turkey burger, and this juicy recipe is easy to make on the stove top. Plus they’re nice and healthy!
- Juicy Lucy Turkey Burgers : These are stuffed with cheddar cheese and cooked in minutes–quick and flavorful!
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers : These turkey patties are so tasty and I love that I can just throw them in the fryer for less than 15 minutes!
Pizza Burgers
Unique Burger Recipe Ideas
When I really want to wow the kids, I make one of these burger recipes with fun toppings just to make dinnertime a little more exciting.
- Pizza Burgers : My kids light up when I tell them we’re having both burgers and pizza for dinner. Pizza sauce, pepperonis, and mozzarella make the tastiest toppings!
- Taco Burgers : There’s no need to choose between taco night and burger night with this recipe. I piled up guac, salsa, and tortilla chips on top of beef patties, and finished with a creamy hot sauce.
- Peanut Butter Burgers : Trust me when I tell you that peanut butter is the most delicious thing you can put on a burger! Add bacon and now we’re really talking.
- Maid Rite Sandwiches : I based this recipe on a Midwestern classic. Loose ground beef and pork are cooked in a super savory sauce, then served on hamburger buns with melted cheese.
Black Bean Burgers
Healthy Burger Ideas
Beef burgers are delicious, but sometimes I’m craving leaner and healthier options. These ground turkey, chicken, salmon, and vegetarian burger recipes are all good ideas!
- Black Bean Burgers : This vegetarian burger is filled with black beans, corn, nuts, spices, jalapeños, and lots of other tasty ingredients. They’re both healthy and delicious!
- Chicken Burgers : As a big fan of chicken, I just had to add my favorite chicken burgers to the list. I mix sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and feta directly into the ground chicken patties, and it is so delicious!
- Salmon Burgers : These fresh, homemade salmon patties are perfect for seafood-lovers like me. They make a good healthy burger idea for lighter lunches.
Juicy Lucy Burgers
Cheeseburger Recipes
Why make a hamburger when you could make a cheeseburger? I’m always finding ways to sneak in some extra cheese, because it really just makes everything taste better!
- Juicy Lucy Burgers : These burgers are literally stuffed with cheese, so it oozes out with every bite!
- Cheeseburger Sliders : This recipe is my biggest hit, both for parties and at dinner time. The kids love having smaller cheeseburgers that are easy to eat, and guests love adding these to their plates on game day.
- Pimento Cheeseburgers : I absolutely love pimento cheese –it’s tangy, sweet, and so creamy! Turns out, it makes an amazing topping for burgers too.
- Cheeseburger Hand Pies : Instead of burger buns, I wrapped these cheeseburgers in savory crescent roll dough, and it really turned them into something unique and tasty!
- Crockpot Cheeseburgers : Part cheeseburgers, part sloppy joes, but all-around easy and delicious. I mix ground beef, Velveeta, and bacon into one tasty sandwich filling, and it’s always a hit.
Patty Melts
Fun Burger Night Ideas
Burger night doesn’t have to be only for the typical hamburgers. These burger-inspired ideas are always fun to eat!
- Patty Melt : This classic dinner food is the perfect combo of a grilled cheese and hamburger patty, plus sweet caramelized onions, all on rye bread.
- Cheeseburger Bombs : I stuffed biscuit dough with beef, cheese, bacon, and all the best burger toppings, then baked everything together. Every bite is a true delight!
- Breakfast Burgers : This burger is the best way to have breakfast for dinner! Start with a pork and beef patty then top with a fried egg and bacon. I like to add guacamole to mine too.
- Cheeseburger Egg Rolls : Crispy eggs rolls stuffed with cheeseburger filling and dipped in ketchup…I love making these as appetizers, but they make a fun meal too.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pot Pie : Pot pies are the definition of comfort food, and there’s no rule saying I can’t make it taste like a cheesy burger!
Burger Topping Ideas
My favorite thing about making hamburgers is actually the toppings. What you put on the burger is just as important as what goes in them, and I love that everyone can make theirs unique just by changing the toppings. Here are some fun ideas:
- Lettuce: use leaves of romaine, baby spinach, shredded lettuce, or another green.
- Tomatoes: Fresh slices of juicy tomatoes pair perfectly with beef, chicken, or turkey.
- Cheese: You can’t go wrong with classic cheddar, but Swiss, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese all work.
- Onions: Red onions add bite, but sweeter onions are tasty too. Or go for caramelized onions !
- Condiments: Top your burgers with ketchup, mayonnaise , dijon, or classic yellow mustard.
- Sauces: But don’t stop there–try them with BBQ sauce , garlic aioli , pesto , buffalo sauce , or the best burger sauce !
- Bacon: Add slices of bacon to these cheeseburger and hamburger recipes for ultimate flavor. Or use bacon crumbles .
- Pickles: Use bread and butter, dill, or any style of pickles you like! Try these refrigerator pickles or ranch fried pickles . Or opt for fresh pickle relish instead.
- Pineapple: Grilled pineapple slices add a sweet and fruity twist to burgers that complements chicken and beef really well.
Burgers and Fries
Side Dishes for Burgers
Burgers and fries are the most classic combo, so I never forget to add some homemade French fries , shoestring fries , or sweet potato fries to dinner. But there are plenty of other side dishes to choose from too. Corn on the cob , coleslaw , and potato salad are perfect for potlucks and cookouts. I make grilled veggies or zucchini fries for a healthier option. Baked beans or any of these BBQ side dishes are always a good pairing with these burger recipes. And my kids especially love when I add creamy mac and cheese or tater tots the dinner table.
More Summer Cookout Recipes
Want something besides burgers, or the perfect side dish? Any of these recipes are great for summer cookouts and BBQs!
45+ Grill Recipes (Easy Summer Grilling Ideas)
68+ Easy BBQ Side Dishes
40+ Summer Salad Recipes
50+ Potluck Ideas (Sides, Desserts, Salads, and More)
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
