Introduction
Cooking frozen burgers on the barbecue can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. How long should you cook them for? Will they cook evenly? Is there a chance they’ll still be cold inside once cooked?
Not to worry! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can grill delicious, juicy burgers from frozen on your BBQ without any problems. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from thawing and prepping the burgers, to how long they need on the grill for perfect doneness every time. We’ll also provide plenty of tips to avoid common mistakes when barbecuing frozen patties.
Follow our advice below and you’ll be serving up mouthwatering burgers straight from the freezer to the BBQ in no time!
Overview of Cooking Frozen Burgers on the BBQ:
- Thaw partially or cook from completely frozen
- Handle gently to avoid breakage
- Use medium-high heat and flip frequently
- Add extra cooking time compared to fresh patties
- Check internal temperature for doneness
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Burgers on the BBQ?
This is the biggest question when cooking frozen patties – just how long should they be on the grill for?
The cooking time can vary considerably based on a few factors:
Thickness of the Burgers
- Thinner patties (1/4 pound or less) will take 10-14 minutes
- Standard 1/3 pound burgers take 14-18 minutes
- Large 1/2 pound burgers need 18-22 minutes
So the thicker the frozen burger, the longer the cooking time.
Level of Thawing
- Completely frozen burgers take the longest at 18-25 minutes
- Partially thawed patties take 10-15 minutes
- Fully thawed burger patties take a similar time to fresh 8-12 minutes
Ideally, thaw the burgers partially before cooking to reduce the time on the grill.
Grill Temperature
- High heat 650-700°F (343-371°C) will be faster at 12-20 minutes
- Medium-high 500-600°F (260-315°C) is ideal for 14-22 minutes
- Medium heat 450-500°F (232-260°C) takes 16-24 minutes
Cook over medium-high heat to add extra cooking time while still getting good grill marks and char.
Flip Frequency
- Flipping once halfway will add 2-3 extra minutes
- Flipping every minute evens cooking for minimal extra time
Flip the burgers regularly to promote even thawing and cooking.
So a good estimate for cooking times would be:
- 1/4 pound partially thawed burger: 12-15 minutes
- 1/3 pound partially thawed burger: 14-18 minutes
- 1/2 pound partially thawed burger: 16-20 minutes
Add 2-5 extra minutes for frozen burgers, and 2-3 minutes less for fully thawed.
Always rely on a thermometer reading over estimated times for perfectly cooked burgers.
How to Grill Frozen Burgers Perfectly
Follow these top tips alongside the cooking time guidelines above, and you’ll be a master of barbecuing burgers straight from the freezer:
1. Partially Thaw in the Fridge
Take the frozen patties out of the freezer and leave to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This partial thawing makes them easier to handle and reduces the grilling time.
2. Handle Gently
Frozen patties are delicate and prone to breaking apart. Be very gentle when placing them on the grill and flipping. Use a spatula and/or tongs rather than a fork.
3. Preheat Grill Properly
Heat your gas or charcoal grill to between 500-600°F (260-315°C). This medium-high heat is perfect for cooking frozen burgers thoroughly while still getting good color on the outside.
4. Add a Little Oil
Use a brush or paper towel to lightly coat the grill grates in vegetable oil. This prevents sticking and those dreaded “hanging burgers” that leave chunks behind.
5. Flip Frequently
Flip the burgers at least every 2-3 minutes to promote even cooking. The more you flip, the faster they will cook.
6. Create a Cross-Hatch
When flipping, rotate the burgers 45 degrees to get crisscross grill marks. This looks great and cooks the patties more evenly.
7. Smash Down Slightly
Use a spatula to gently press down on the burgers as they cook. This gets them closer to the grill to speed thawing and cook more evenly.
8. Season Correctly
Only add salt and pepper just before serving. If added earlier, the salt draws moisture out as they cook making them dry.
9. Check Temperature
Always rely on a good digital meat thermometer to check they are cooked through rather than just estimating times. Internal temp should be 160°F (71°C).
10. Let Rest
Once cooked, transfer the burgers to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb for a juicier burger.
4 Tips for Perfectly Cooked Burgers from Frozen
Use these troubleshooting tips to master grilling frozen burger patties and achieve perfect doneness:
1. Cook Slower over Medium Heat
If burgers seem to be cooking unevenly or burning on the outside, lower the heat to medium and cook a little slower. This allows time for the inside to thaw and cook through.
2. Add Cheese Near the End
Hold off on adding cheese until the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This prevents it melting too early and sliding off.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
Don’t rely on estimated times or cutting to check they are done. Always use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Let Rest Before Serving
A common mistake is serving them straight off the grill. Give them 5 minutes rest for juices to reabsorb so they’ll be juicy not dry.
How to Store and Thaw Frozen Burgers Properly
To grill frozen burgers successfully, you also need to treat them right during storage and thawing:
Storage Tips
- Store patties in a single layer with wax paper between to prevent freezing together.
- Seal frozen burgers in an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Label with type and date and follow “first in, first out” for use.
- Avoid freezer burn by minimizing air exposure.
- Store at 0°F (-18°C) or below for maximum freshness.
Thawing Tips
- Thaw slowly over 24 hours in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Place on a tray or plate to catch any drips as they thaw.
- Once thawed, use within 2 days and do not refreeze.
- For faster thawing, place still sealed package in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
Following these best practices for storing and thawing ensures the highest quality patties for grilling from frozen.
6 Handy Tips for Grilling Frozen Burgers
Follow these handy tips for flawlessly grilling burgers straight from the freezer:
- Choose thicker, evenly shaped patties rather than thin or irregularly shaped ones.
- Partially thaw patties in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours before grilling – the longer the better.
- Gently place patties on a hot grill oiled with vegetable oil and flip every 2-3 minutes using a spatula.
- Cook over medium-high heat. Higher can burn outside before inside thaws.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature NOT time. Cook to 160°F (71°C).
- After cooking, let rest for 5 minutes before serving to maximize juiciness.
Common Questions About BBQ Frozen Burgers
How do you know when a frozen burger is cooked?
Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer, not color or firmness. Burgers are fully cooked when the center reaches 160°F (71°C). If in doubt, cut to check for visual doneness.
Can you grill burgers while they are still frozen?
Yes, you can grill completely frozen burgers without thawing first but they will take longer to cook. Partially thawing in the refrigerator first is recommended for more even cooking.
Why do my frozen burgers fall apart on the grill?
Frozen patties are delicate and tend to break if handled roughly or cooked over high heat. Be gentle when handling, use medium-high heat and flip frequently to keep them intact.
How do you cook frozen burgers on an electric grill?
Heat the electric grill to around 400-450°F (200-230°C) then cook frozen burgers for approximately 18-22 minutes, flipping regularly. Check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.
Should you flip frozen burgers often?
Yes, frequent flipping while cooking is recommended as it promotes even thawing and cooking. Flipping every 1-2 minutes rather than just once is ideal.
Can you refreeze thawed frozen burgers?
No, once fully thawed it is unsafe to refreeze burger patties. Cook within 2 days of thawing or discard. Partial thawing in the fridge makes grilling easier without requiring full thawing.
Cooking Frozen Burgers in the Oven
While the barbecue may be the preferred cooking method for juicy burgers with grill flavor, you can also cook frozen patties in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil.
- Arrange frozen burgers on tray evenly spaced apart.
- Cook for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check internal temperature to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
The oven method may take slightly longer than the grill but follows the same principles – cook gently over medium-high heat and flip frequently for the best results.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Burgers
If you have cooked burgers left over, here is how to store them safely and reheat them:
Storage
- Allow burgers to cool completely then store in a sealed container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked burgers for 2-3 months.
Reheating
- In the oven – Place on a baking tray and heat at 325°F (163°C) for 15 minutes.
- Pan fried – Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Microwave – Microwave individual burgers on high for 60-90 seconds. Check for hot spots and stir.
Reheat burgers thoroughly until piping hot all the way through. Do not reheat more than once.
4 Tasty Burger Topping Ideas
Burgers grilled from frozen can taste just as delicious as fresh. Mix things up with these tasty topping ideas:
- Classic Cheeseburger – Top with slices of Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack or good old American cheese.
- Bacon Cheeseburger – Nothing beats smoky bacon and melted cheese!
- Mushroom Swiss Burger – Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese is a match made in heaven.
- Southwest Burger – Add slices of avocado, pico de gallo salsa and chipotle mayo. Ole!
Get creative with condiments and toppings set up a DIY burger bar for family and friends. The possibilities are endless!
Is it Safe to Eat Undercooked Frozen Burgers?
No, for food safety reasons frozen hamburgers should always be cooked to the recommended safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Eating undercooked frozen patties risks foodborne illness as the cold temperatures do not kill pathogens the same as proper cooking does. Always use a thermometer to verify burgers are fully cooked through.
If concerned a burger might be undercooked, throw it out rather than risk eating it. It’s better to be safe than sorry when handling frozen meat.
Conclusion
Grilling frozen burger patties may seem daunting, but follow the guidance above and you’ll be serving up delicious barbecue burgers in no time.
The keys are thawing partially, gentle handling, medium-high heat, frequent flipping, and checking temperature over time.
Employ these simple tips and tricks for cooking frozen burgers on the BBQ and you’ll have your family and friends fooled into thinking they are fresh homemade patties.
So don’t be afraid to grab a pack of frozen burgers from the freezer for your next cookout. Just be sure to handle them with care and allow some extra grill time. You’ll be amazed at the juicy, flavorful results!