The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Juicy Omaha Steak Burgers at Home

Burgers are one of America’s most beloved foods. Whether it’s summertime grilling or a quick weeknight meal, burgers are a tasty and filling option. But not all burgers are created equal! For truly mouthwatering burgers made from premium beef, you can’t beat Omaha Steaks.

Omaha Steaks burgers start with 100% ground beef from grain-fed cattle with no hormones or antibiotics This higher-quality beef makes a noticeable difference in flavor and juiciness But the meat is just the beginning – how you shape, season and cook those burgers also impacts the end result. Follow this guide to learn insider tips and tricks for cooking the perfect Omaha Steak burger at home.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

Obviously the specific ground beef you use will affect the finished burger. Here are a few things to look for

• 100% pure beef – Make sure the beef is 100% ground beef without fillers or extra fat added Omaha Steaks burgers use premium cuts like sirloin and chuck

• 20% fat content – For juicy burgers, you want around an 80/20 lean to fat ratio. More fat equals more flavor and moisture!

• Fresh, never frozen – Fresh beef makes better burgers, so try to find ground beef that has never been frozen. Omaha Steaks burgers ship fresh.

• Coarse grind – Coarsely ground beef performs better on the grill than a fine grind, which can dry out. Aim for chunks in the 1/4 to 1/2 inch range.

For consistently delicious burgers, it’s hard to beat Omaha Steaks’ 100% ground chuck. Their signature blend of ground sirloin and chuck results in supremely beefy, juicy and tender burgers cook after cook.

How to Form the Perfect Burger Patties

Shaping your burger patties correctly ensures they hold together on the grill and cook evenly. Follow these steps:

• Divide beef – Separate your ground beef into evenly sized portions, about 5 ounces each for a standard burger.

• Gently shape – Lightly form beef into patties about 3/4 inch thick, being careful not to overwork the meat.

• Make a divot – Use your thumb to make a shallow divot in the center of each patty. This prevents puffing up as they cook.

• Chill patties – For best results, let formed patties chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Chilling allows the fat to firm up so patties keep their shape better.

• Handle gently – Be careful moving chilled patties to prevent them from breaking apart while cooking. Don’t press down with the spatula.

• Don’t overdo size – Keep patties under 5 ounces and 4 inches wide so they cook evenly and get a nice char.

Seasoning Your Burgers

While Omaha Steaks burgers feature premium beef flavor on their own, seasoning can take them to the next level. Here are some tasty seasoning ideas:

• Salt and pepper – This simplest burger seasoning really lets the flavorful beef shine. Use a coarse grind of fresh pepper.

• Meat rubs – Rubs made for beef add spices like garlic, onion and chili powder. Apply rub before chilling patties.

• Worcestershire sauce – Just a teaspoon mixed into the beef adds umami depth without overpowering.

• Onion and garlic powder – Mix in a pinch of each to amplify savory flavors.

• Chopped herbs – Fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano or basil lend Mediterranean flavors.

• Seasoned salts – Opt for spice blends without sugar, which can burn on the grill.

• Smoked paprika – A touch of this adds subtle smokiness and chili flavor.

Experiment with dried and fresh seasoning combinations until you create your perfect burger spice mix.

Choosing the Best Cooking Method

Burgers can be cooked in a variety of ways, each giving unique results. Consider these popular cooking methods:

• Grilling – The high dry heat of the grill sears in juices and gives a smoky char flavor. Preheat grill fully before placing burgers.

• Pan frying – In a heavy skillet or flat griddle, you can still get a nice crust while containing flare-ups. Use a minimal amount of oil.

• Broiling – This oven method quickly cooks burgers under high direct heat. Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler element.

• Sous vide – Immersion cooking burgers to the perfect internal temp results in exceptionally juicy meat. Finish by searing.

• Air frying – A small-batch air fryer lets you “fry” burgers indoors with no oil. Cook at 400F for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway.

The hands-on control of grilling or pan frying makes it easiest to achieve the perfect doneness for your preference.

Grilling for Maximum Juiciness

Grilling over a hot fire is a quintessential burger cooking method that intensifies flavor. Follow these tips for ideal results:

• Preheat thoroughly – Let the grill heat for 15-20 minutes at high heat. Scrape the grates clean.

• Create zones – Sear burgers over direct high heat. Move to indirect low heat to finish cooking if needed.

• Avoid flare-ups – Trim excess fat from patties to prevent dangerous flare-ups.

• Don’t press patties – Smashing down squeezes out all the delicious juices! Gently flip only once with a spatula.

• Add cheese at end – Only add cheese slices in the last 1-2 minutes so they melt without making burgers greasy.

• Don’t overcook – For medium doneness, grill for 4-6 minutes per side. Check temperature with an instant read thermometer.

• Let rest briefly – Before serving, let burgers rest for 5 minutes so juices redistribute evenly.

Grilling does take some practice – a little char is great but you want to avoid a dried out, burnt burger!

Pan Frying Juicy Burgers on the Stove

When the weather isn’t grill-friendly, pan frying makes for easy burger cooking indoors. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use heavy pan – Choose a thick, flat pan or griddle to mimic grill heating. Cast iron or carbon steel works great.

• Almost no oil – Just brush the pan with a tiny amount of oil. Burgers will naturally render fat as they cook.

• Use medium-high heat – Preheating on medium-high helps form a nice crust without burning the outside.

• Don’t move patties – Let them sear undisturbed when first placed in the pan, about 2 minutes.

• Flip once – Carefully flip burgers just once halfway through cooking. Add cheese now if using.

• Check doneness – Nick the patty to peek inside or use an instant read thermometer. Cook to desired doneness.

• Drain on paper – Before serving, let burgers rest a minute on paper towels to absorb excess grease.

With the right technique, pan-fried burgers can rival grilled burgers in flavor, tenderness and caramelized crust!

Knowing When Burgers Are Properly Cooked

It can be tricky judging when your burger patties are cooked to your preferred doneness without slicing one open. Here are some signs to look for:

• Rare – Very red throughout. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, internal temp 125F. (Not recommended for safety.)

• Medium rare – Bright red center, about 4-5 minutes per side. 130-135F internal.

• Medium – Warm pink center, 5-7 minutes per side. 140-145F internal.

• Medium well – Just a hint of pink, 6-8 minutes per side. 150-155F internal.

• Well done – No pink, burgers look browned throughout, about 8-10 minutes per side minimum. 160F+ internal temp.

For food safety, burgers should reach at least 160F internal temperature. But cooking beyond medium will result in a drier burger – it’s all about balancing doneness with juiciness!

Serving Suggestions for Omaha Steak Burgers

A great burger deserves great toppings and sides to complement the star of the show. Here are some mouthwatering serving ideas:

• Brioche bun – Toasted, buttered brioche provides a touch of sweetness.

• Cheddar cheese – For an extra savory flavor boost, top with melted sharp cheddar.

• Caramelized onions – Slow-cooked onions add a hit of sweetness and tang.

• Crisp lettuce – Crunchy romaine or butter lettuce balances the rich burger.

• Sliced tomato – When in season, tomato contributes freshness and acidity.

• Special sauce – Spread on a combo of mayo, ketchup and relish for moisture.

• Potato buns – For a lower-carb option, wrap burgers in baked potato halves.

• Sweet potato fries – An easy, delicious side that feels a bit lighter.

Whatever your favorite burger toppings and sides, starting with high-quality Omaha Steaks ground beef patties guarantees you’ll wind up with an insanely delicious burger.

Tips for Leftover Burgers

Made too many burgers for your cookout? Leftovers can be just as tasty! Properly stored, burgers last 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or pan without overcooking to preserve juiciness. Or reinvent leftovers into fun new dishes:

• Burger salad – Crumble a burger over lettuce, veggies and ranch dressing.

• Sliders – Reheat on smaller buns for quick snacks.

• Eggs and burgers – Top a cooked burger with a fried egg for an easy breakfast.

• Burger poutine – Layer cooked burger bits, fries and gravy for a Canadian-style treat.

• Burger pasta sauce – Break up cooked burgers into tomato sauce for a meaty Bolognese.

• Burger soup – Simmer chopped burgers in broth with veggies for a hearty soup.

With endless tasty possibilities, you’ll look forward to leftovers after cooking Omaha Steaks burgers!

Satisfy Your Burger Cravings with Omaha Steaks

For the ultimate burger experience, you can’t go wrong starting with premium beef from Omaha Steaks. Their flavorful, tender ground chuck and sirloin patties cook up juicy and delicious. Follow these seasoning, shaping, cooking and serving tips for your backyard or kitchen. Soon you’ll earn a reputation for making the best burgers on the block!