There’s nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a perfectly grilled burger. If you’re using a Pit Boss pellet grill, cooking the perfect burger may require a few adjustments compared to a traditional gas or charcoal grill. In this article, I’ll share nine tips that I’ve learned from cooking on a Pit Boss pellet grill, ensuring that you can grill up the perfect burger every time!
Cooking Burgers on the Pit Boss Pellet Grill
There’s something special about cooking burgers outside on a grill. With the warmer weather finally here, it’s time to break out the Pit Boss pellet grill and get cooking! Here are some tips to help you make the perfect burger on your Pit Boss Pellet Grill.
If this is your first time cooking with a Pit Boss pellet grill, let me give you a quick summary of what it takes to grill that perfect burger. Keep reading as I’ll discuss each tip in more detail below.
- Use the right type of meat
- Season the patties
- Make the right size patties
- Use the right pellets
- Preheat the grill and let it get hot
- Cook them on high
- Use a thermometer
- Flip the burgers once
- Rest the meat
Use the Right Type of Meat
The quality of your burger starts with the meat you choose. Ground beef is the most common choice for burgers, and you’ll find two types at the grocery store: “ground beef” and “hamburger.” The main difference between the two is the amount of fat added. According to USDA standards, ground beef can have a maximum fat content of 30%. For a good quality burger, choose ground beef with a fat content ranging from 10-20%. An 80/20 ratio is usually a good choice for grilling.
Don’t Forget to Season the Burgers
When it comes to seasoning burgers, it’s best to keep it simple. You don’t want to overpower the taste of the meat with too many spices. Start with ¾ teaspoons of seasoning per pound of meat. I like to use kosher salt and black pepper, but you can get a little adventurous by adding Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and minced onion. Experiment with different seasonings to find a combination that you enjoy. Remember, less is more!
Patty the Burgers Properly
The size of the patty is a matter of personal preference. Aim for about 6 ounces, which is between ¼ to ⅓ pound. Consider the size of your buns and make sure the patty covers them nicely. Keep in mind that the patties will shrink during cooking, so make them slightly larger than your desired size. Use a hamburger press to form the perfect shape and prevent your hands from freezing. If you prefer to form the patties by hand, wet your hands to prevent the meat from sticking.
What Pellets Should You Use?
For burgers that cook in 10-12 minutes, opt for hickory or mesquite wood pellets. These pellets burn hotter and add a rich flavor to your burgers. If you don’t have access to those flavors, any pellets in the hopper will do. Since burgers cook quickly, they won’t absorb too much smoke flavor unless you’re intentionally smoking them.
Let the Grill Warm Up
Preheat your Pit Boss pellet grill to 450-500°F and let it get hot before placing the burgers on. If you put the burgers on too soon, they may stick to the grates and tear when you try to flip them. Preheating the grill also helps create those beautiful grill marks that everyone loves. Feel free to leave the patties on the counter while the grill preheats. If you’re concerned about bacteria build-up, refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.
Cook the Burgers on High
To achieve that delicious, deeply brown crust, cook the burgers over high, indirect heat. Use Pam or a cooking spray to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Avoid cooking the burgers over low heat or for too long, as this can cause them to release their juices, dry out, and burn.
Use a Thermometer
Unlike a gas grill, you can’t use a two-zone method on a Pit Boss pellet grill. To ensure the burgers reach the desired level of doneness, use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F. If you prefer a different level of doneness, refer to the temperature guidelines for beef. Remove the burgers from the grill 3-5°F before your desired temperature, as they will continue cooking during the resting period.
Don’t Flip More Than Once
To keep your burgers juicy and intact, expert grillers recommend searing the patties for 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping them. Avoid pressing down on the burgers with the spatula, as this will release their juices and result in a dry burger.
The Debate on Resting the Meat
There’s an ongoing debate about whether or not to let the meat rest after grilling. Some experts suggest that the resting period is unnecessary, as the meat will continue to rest while you assemble your burger. However, there’s no harm in letting the burgers rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier burger.
Final Word
With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to fire up your Pit Boss pellet grill and make some delicious burgers. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, following these tips will ensure juicy, flavorful burgers that everyone will love. So don’t wait any longer, fire up the grill, and enjoy a mouthwatering burger with a cold one!
