How to BBQ Frozen Burgers - Outdoor Cabinets

Burgers are a classic backyard barbecue food. Their versatility and customizability make them a crowd-pleaser for cookouts and parties. While fresh burger patties are ideal, frozen burgers can also make for tasty grilled treats when handled properly. Knowing how to safely thaw, season, and grill frozen burger patties allows you to enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers with minimal effort.

Thawing Frozen Burgers

Thawing is an important first step for grilling frozen burger patties. Burgers should be thawed gently to ensure food safety and prevent a soggy texture. Here are some recommended ways to safely and effectively thaw frozen burgers:

Refrigerator Thawing

The safest way to thaw frozen burger patties is in the refrigerator. Place the frozen burgers in a single layer on a tray or plate and leave in the fridge overnight or for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator thawing leads to even thawing and minimizes bacterial growth. Burgers retain moisture better than fast thawing methods.
Make sure to place the frozen burger patties on the lowest shelf of the fridge so juices don’t drip onto other foods.

Cold Water Thawing

For faster thawing, place frozen burger patties in a leak-proof plastic bag. Submerge the bag in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes.
Cold water thawing takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on patty thickness. Burgers will be ready when the meat is pliable but still very cold.
Only thaw as many patties as needed to prevent wasting thawed burgers. Cook thawed burgers immediately after thawing.

Microwave Thawing

Microwaving is the quickest way to thaw frozen burgers, taking only 2-5 minutes.
Place frozen patties on a microwave-safe plate, separating them to allow steam to vent. Microwave at 50% power, checking and flipping every minute.
Only microwave completely frozen patties until pliable. Cook immediately after thawing to prevent bacterial growth.

Whichever thawing method you use, be sure burgers are thawed all the way through before grilling. Partially frozen centers can lead to uneven cooking. Check for an internal temperature of 160°F with a meat thermometer after grilling.

Seasoning Frozen Burgers

Adding seasoning helps boost the flavor of thawed frozen burgers. Consider these seasoning tips:

Season just before grilling – Sprinkling seasonings over the burger patties right before they go on the grill allows flavors to really penetrate the meat.
Use dry rubs – Coating patties with dry spice rubs gives great flavor without making the meat soggy. Onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper make tasty burger rubs.
Brush with oil or sauce – Lightly brushing olive oil, butter, barbecue sauce, or teriyaki sauce on the outside of the patties adds moisture and flavor while grilling.
Mix seasonings into patties – For seasoned burgers, mix spices, sauces, or other ingredients into the meat before shaping into patties. Try blue cheese, caramelized onions, or bacon bits.
Avoid over-seasoning – It’s easy to overdo it on seasoning with frozen burgers. Use a delicate hand with salt and pepper.

Simple seasonings like garlic, onion, and pepper allow the beefy flavors to still shine through. CreCreative spices and toppings can be added once burgers are cooked.

Grilling Frozen Burgers to Perfection

Grilling is a quick, delicious way to prepare frozen burger patties. Follow these tips for getting the best results:

1. Prepare the Grill

Clean the grill thoroughly before lighting. Scrub and brush grates to remove residue.
For gas grills – Heat grill on high for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed to burn off debris.
For charcoal grills – Light a full chimney of coals. Once ashed over, spread coals evenly under grates.
Lightly oil grates once hot to prevent sticking. Use tongs to rub a paper towel over grates.

2. Grill Burgers Over Direct High Heat

Cook frozen burger patties over direct high heat, around 450-550°F. This gives the quickest cooking and best sear.
Place patties directly over the hot grates. Resist the urge to move them as they cook.
Let patties cook undisturbed for 2-4 minutes. Lifting them early leads to sticking. A dark sear will naturally release from the grates.

3. Flip and Cook Until Done

Flip patties after 2-4 minutes once nicely browned. Cook for another 2-4 minutes on second side.
Check doneness after flipping. Use tongs to gently press on the patty. Rare patties will feel soft and spongy, well-done will be firm.
For food safety, cook frozen burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F measured with a food thermometer.

4. Add Cheese and Toast Buns

Top patties with cheese, if using, during the last 1-2 minutes of grilling to melt. Cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack work well.
Toast burger buns on grill until golden brown. Butter or oil buns lightly first for extra browning and flavor.
Let patties rest for 2-5 minutes before assembling burgers to allow juices to absorb. The internal temperature will rise 5-10°F during resting.

5. Troubleshoot Problems

Sticking – If patties stick to the grill, wait longer before flipping and use a metal spatula to gently scrape them up. Wipe grates thoroughly before grilling.
Uneven cooking – Partially frozen centers lead to underdone insides. Thaw burgers fully and cook over direct high heat.
Overdone exterior – If burnt on the outside before the center cooks, move to indirect heat (next to burners) to gently finish cooking.

With a hot grill and properly thawed meat, frozen burger patties can turn out just as juicy and flavorful as fresh. Let the frozen patties defrost thoroughly before grilling, then cook over high heat for the best sear. A few minutes per side is all it takes for a perfect medium-rare to well-done burger. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

How to Grill Frozen Burgers on a Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grilling brings out the rich, smoky flavor in burgers. You can absolutely grill frozen burger patties on a charcoal grill with a little preparation and technique. Here are tips for grilling frozen burgers on a charcoal grill:

Choose the Right Charcoal

Look for high-quality lump charcoal, which burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes. Popular brands include Royal Oak, Cowboy, Fogo, and Rockwood.
Stay away from instant-light charcoal, which can impart a chemical taste.

Use a Chimney Starter

A chimney starter efficiently lights coals without lighter fluid. Place charcoal in the chimney and light newspaper beneath.
Once coals are ashed over in 10-15 minutes, carefully dump them into your grill.

Rake Coals for Direct Heat

Use a grill rake or tongs to spread hot coals evenly across the bottom of the grill.
This direct high heat creates the fast cooking and searing needed for frozen burgers.

Clean and Oil Grates

Scrub grill grates with a grill brush while coals heat up. This prevents food from sticking.
Use tongs to rub grates with an oiled paper towel just before grilling.

Grill Quickly Over Hot Coals

Cook frozen patties directly over hot coals for 2-4 minutes per side. They should sizzle immediately when hitting the grates.
Cook with the grill lid open to avoid steaming the burgers.
Check frequently and remove from heat once burgers reach desired doneness.

Charcoal grilling does take some skill, but the smoky, charred results are worth it. Let frozen patties defrost before grilling, then cook over a hot charcoal fire for your best frozen burgers yet.

How to Cook Frozen Burgers on a Griddle

Cooking frozen burger patties on a flat griddle is a quick and easy way to put tasty char-broiled burgers on the table. Griddles allow for control of heat levels and uniform cooking across all patties.

Here are tips for grilling frozen burgers indoors on a stovetop griddle:

Choose a Good Griddle

Opt for a large, heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron griddle to mimic grilling. Nonstick coating makes cleanup easier.
Electric griddles with temperature controls also work well for cooking frozen burger patties.

Preheat on Medium-High

Heat griddle on medium-high heat, about 375°F, for 10 minutes before cooking. Test by sprinkling water – it should sizzle and evaporate.

Pat Burgers Dry

Pat thawed frozen burger patties with paper towels until very dry before cooking. Excess moisture causes splattering grease.

Add a Thin Layer of Oil

Use a paper towel to wipe a very thin layer of oil, about 1 tsp per 12-inch griddle, evenly across the surface. This aids browning.

Cook Over Direct Heat

Add patties directly over heat, without crowding. Listen for a steady sizzle.
Let cook untouched for 2-4 minutes until deeply browned before flipping once.

Flip and Check Doneness

Flip patties with a thin metal spatula only once during cooking. Press to test doneness.
Cook until 160°F internal temperature. Add cheese on last 1-2 minutes if desired.

Let Rest Before Serving

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and tent with foil. Rest for 5 minutes so juices redistribute through meat.

Griddling gives frozen burgers an evenly seared exterior and tender interior in minutes. Cook over medium-high heat for burgers that rival the flavor of grilling.

How Long to Grill Frozen Burgers

Knowing how long to grill frozen burger patties ensures they turn out perfectly cooked from edge to edge. The grilling time depends mainly on the thickness of the patties and desired doneness.

Here are general guidelines for grilling times based on patty thickness:

1/4 pound thin patties (1/2 inch thick) – Grill for 2-4 minutes per side over direct high heat.
1/3 pound average patties (3/4 inch thick) – Grill for 4-7 minutes per side over direct high heat.
1/2 pound thick pub-style patties (1 inch thick) – Grill for 7-10 minutes per side over direct high heat.
Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature rather than judging by time alone. Cook until reaching at least 160°F for food safety.
The total grill time also depends on the doneness level:
- For rare – 135°F (burgers are reddish pink inside)
- For medium-rare – 145°F (light pink center)
- For medium – 160°F (pink with no redness)
- For well-done – 170°F (gray-brown throughout)
Add 1-2 minutes if topping with cheese to melt during the last few minutes of grilling.
Rest burgers for 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute through the meat. The temperature rises another 5-10° during resting.

Watching carefully and using a food thermometer ensures frozen burger patties of any thickness grill up perfectly no matter your preferred doneness.

How to Thaw and Grill Frozen Burgers Safely

Improperly thawing and grilling frozen burger patties can increase your risk of foodborne illness. Here are food safety guidelines for safely thawing and cooking frozen beef burgers:

Use Safe Thawing Methods

Only thaw burgers in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Change water every 30 minutes if thawing in cold water. Cook burgers immediately after thawing.

Cook Thoroughly to Proper Temperatures

Cook frozen patties to an internal temperature of 160°F measured with a food thermometer.
Ground beef must reach 160°F kill illness-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella.

Wash Hands, Utensils, and Surfaces

Always wash your hands with soap before and after handling raw burger patties.
Use clean utensils and cutting boards that are washed before and after contact with raw meat.
Disinfect any surfaces that have touched raw patties, including grill grates, with hot soapy water.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Store raw patties sealed on bottom shelf of fridge so juices don’t drip on other foods.
Do not reuse platters or utensils that previously held raw patties before cooking without washing first.

Refrigerate Promptly

Never leave cooked burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours total before refrigerating.
Discard uneaten cooked burgers that have sat out past this time. Refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour.

Following basic food safety practices keeps you and your guests healthy when enjoying grilled frozen burgers.

Tips for Grilling Frozen Burgers

Grilling frozen burger patties may seem daunting, but these useful tips will ensure you get picture-perfect char-grilled burgers:

Always thaw frozen patties fully in the fridge before grilling – no frozen centers.
Pat thawed patties very dry with paper towels before grilling for better browning.
Lightly coat the grill grates with oil using tongs and paper towels right before grilling. This prevents sticking.
Grill thawed frozen patties over direct high heat, 500-600 ̊F, for a good sear.
Resist the urge to move the patties as they cook. Let them sear untouched for at least 2 minutes first.
Use a thin metal spatula to flip patties gently halfway through grilling to prevent crumbling.
Add cheese slices on the last 1-2 minutes of grilling to melt atop patties.
Check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer for doneness.
Let patties rest for 5 minutes after grilling so juices absorb back into the meat.
Avoid pressing down on patties as they cook, which squeezes out juices.
For charcoal grilling, let coals burn until covered in ash before grilling for steady heat.
If patties stick, use a metal spatula to scrape under and gently release.

With proper thawing and searing over high heat, frozen burger patties become tender and juicy backyard barbecue fare. What burger toppings does your family like best?

Best Cheese for Grilled Frozen Burgers

Adding slices of melting cheese on top of grilled burgers makes them extra indulgent. The best cheeses for topping frozen burgers are those that melt smoothly without separating or getting greasy.

Cheddar

The classic burger cheese, cheddar melts beautifully into juicy burgers. Opt for a good melting mild or medium sharp cheddar. White cheddar also works well.

American

Individually wrapped American cheese slices provide nostalgic flavor and easy melting. The creamy smooth texture pairs perfectly with char-grilled frozen patties.

Monterey Jack

With a mild flavor and creamy melting texture similar to American cheese, Monterey Jack is a smart choice for topping frozen burgers.

Swiss

For a nutty, rich flavor and smooth melt, Swiss cheese shines on burgers hot off the grill. Try Gruyère for a related cheese that’s ideal for burgers.

Provolone

With its mild taste and stretchy melt, provolone fills burgers with gooey goodness. Use thinly sliced provolone so it melts faster.

Blue Cheese

For burgers with a gourmet twist, a crumble of blue cheese over the patty during the last few minutes of grilling adds a sophisticated tang.

Stick with cheeses like cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, and Swiss for easy melting and timeless flavor on grilled frozen burgers.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Burgers

Leftover grilled burgers require proper storage and reheating to stay safe and tasty. Follow these guidelines:

Refrigerate Promptly

Refrigerate cooked burgers within 1-2 hours after grilling.
Place burgers in a shallow container or resealable plastic bags.

Use Within 3-4 Days

Eat refrigerated leftover burgers within 3-4 days for best quality.
Toss burgers if they have an off smell, color, or slimy texture.

Reheat Thoroughly

Reheat burgers on the stove, grill, or microwave until 165°F internally.
Grill or pan-fry burgers for the best texture. Microwaving can make buns soggy.

Avoid Repeated Reheating

Only reheat burgers once for food safety. The more times they are reheated, the higher the risk of bacteria growth.
Discard burgers reheated more than once.

With proper chilling and reheating, grilled frozen burgers keep well for quick leftover meals. But the fresher, the better!

Can You Refreeze Thawed Burgers?

It’s best not to refreeze previously frozen burger patties after thawing them. Refreezing thawed ground meat is generally unsafe and compromises quality:

Bacteria multiplies rapidly at room temperature as meat thaws. Ref