Perfectly Grilled Burgers: Cooking Time at 350°F on a Pellet Grill

I’ll start by saying that cooking burgers on a pellet grill is a fantastic way to achieve that smoky, grilled flavor. But how long should you cook them at 350 degrees? Well, it all depends on the thickness of your burgers and how you like them cooked. In this article, I’ll share my expert tips and guidelines for cooking burgers at 350 degrees on a pellet grill, so you can achieve that perfect juicy and flavorful patty every time.

When it comes to cooking burgers on a pellet grill, temperature and timing are crucial. Cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a popular choice as it allows for a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. However, the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your burgers. In this article, I’ll break down the approximate cooking times for different burger thicknesses, so you can cook your burgers to perfection and impress your friends and family at your next backyard barbecue.

Preparing the Grill

Before cooking burgers at 350 degrees on a pellet grill, it’s important to properly prepare the grill to ensure the best results. Here are a few steps to get your grill ready for cooking:

1. Clean the grill grates: Start by giving the grill grates a good scrub to remove any residue or debris from previous cooking sessions. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Preheat the grill: Turn on your pellet grill and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to preheat the grill to ensure that it reaches the desired cooking temperature for your burgers. This will also help create a nice sear on the outside of the burgers while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
3. Oil the grill grates: Once your grill is preheated, lightly oil the grill grates using a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil. This will help prevent the burgers from sticking to the grates and make flipping them easier.
4. Arrange the charcoal or wood pellets: If you’re using a charcoal or wood pellet grill, make sure to arrange the charcoal or wood pellets in a way that allows for even heat distribution. This will help ensure that the burgers cook evenly and avoid any hot spots on the grill.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your grill will be ready for cooking burgers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. With a clean and preheated grill, you’ll be able to achieve that perfect smoky, grilled flavor that we all love. Now, it’s time to move on to the next step – preparing the burgers themselves.

Seasoning the Burgers

When it comes to grilling burgers, seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor and creating a taste that will make your mouth water. Here are a few tips for seasoning your burgers to perfection:

1. Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple with a classic combination of salt and pepper. The salt helps to bring out the flavors of the meat, while the pepper adds a little kick. Make sure to season both sides of the burger patties before grilling.
2. Garlic and Onion Powder: For an extra punch of flavor, I like to add a sprinkle of garlic and onion powder to my burger patties. These savory seasonings complement the meat and give the burgers a delicious aroma.
3. Worcestershire Sauce: Adding a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture can take your burgers to the next level. This tangy sauce adds depth of flavor and helps to keep the burgers juicy during grilling.
4. Herbs and Spices: Get creative with your seasoning by adding herbs and spices to the burger mixture. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro can add a burst of freshness, while spices like cumin or paprika can add a hint of smokiness.

Remember, the amount of seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the flavors to suit your taste buds. Once the burgers are seasoned, it’s time to move on to the next step – grilling!

Now that we’ve covered how to season the burgers, let’s move on to the next section and discuss the grilling process for those delicious patties.

Preheating the Pellet Grill

When it comes to cooking burgers on a pellet grill, preheating the grill is an essential step to ensure even cooking and that perfect sear. Here’s how I preheat my pellet grill to get the best results:

1. Clean the Grates: Before preheating the grill, make sure to clean the grates using a grill brush or scraper. This helps remove any residue from previous cookouts and ensures a clean surface for your burgers.
2. Arrange the Charcoal or Wood Pellets: Next, arrange the charcoal or wood pellets in the grill’s hopper or firebox, depending on the type of pellet grill you have. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper amount of fuel.
3. Preheat the Grill: Once the fuel is in place, it’s time to preheat the grill. Turn on the grill and set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
4. Oil the Grates: While the grill is preheating, it’s a good idea to oil the grates. This helps prevent sticking and ensures that the burgers cook evenly. Simply dip a folded paper towel in a high heat oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and use tongs to rub it onto the grates.

By preheating the pellet grill properly, you’re creating the perfect environment for your burgers to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating not only ensures that the grill reaches the desired temperature, but it also helps to eliminate any potential debris or impurities on the grates. This step sets the stage for that perfectly seared and juicy burger that will have your taste buds dancing.

Next, let’s move on to the seasoning step, which is key to enhancing the flavor of your burgers.

Cooking the Burgers at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit

When it comes to cooking burgers on a pellet grill, maintaining the right temperature is key. Cooking burgers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit allows for that perfect balance of a smoky, grilled flavor while keeping the inside juicy and tender. But how long should you cook them? Let me break it down for you.

First, consider the thickness of your burgers. Thinner patties will cook faster, while thicker ones will need a bit more time. As a general rule of thumb, cooking a 1/2-inch thick burger at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will take approximately 4 minutes per side. So, if you prefer your burgers medium-rare, that totals about 8 minutes of cooking time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner patties.

Now that we know the approximate cooking time, let’s focus on the steps to ensure that your burgers turn out perfectly grilled.

Before placing the burgers on the grill, it’s important to properly prepare the grill itself. Start by cleaning the grates to remove any residue from previous cookouts. Next, arrange the charcoal or wood pellets in a way that ensures even heat distribution. Preheating the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit will also help create the perfect environment for cooking the burgers.

Once the grill is preheated, it’s time to oil the grates. This step not only prevents the burgers from sticking but also adds a touch of flavor. Using long-handled tongs, dip a folded piece of paper towel in cooking oil and carefully coat the grates. This will create a non-stick surface and help achieve those beautiful grill marks.

You’re ready to place the burgers on the grill. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on the first side, then flip them and cook for an additional 4 minutes on the other side. Remember, these times are based on the 1/2-inch thick burgers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Checking the Internal Temperature

One important aspect of cooking burgers on a pellet grill is checking the internal temperature to ensure they are cooked to perfection. There’s no guesswork involved when you have an accurate thermometer on hand.

Using a meat thermometer allows you to determine the doneness of the burgers and prevent them from being undercooked or overcooked. This helps you achieve that juicy and flavorful burger every time.

To check the internal temperature, simply insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the burger without touching the bone or the grill grates. Make sure to get an accurate reading by avoiding contact with any bone or fat.

For medium-rare burgers, the internal temperature should read around 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer medium burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit. Well-done burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Remember that the burgers will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the grill, so it’s important to take them off when they are a few degrees below your desired doneness.

By using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, you can ensure that your burgers are perfectly cooked and safe to eat. This method takes the guesswork out of grilling and guarantees that your burgers will be juicy, flavorful, and cooked to your liking.

Resting the Burgers

After cooking the burgers on your pellet grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s important to allow them to rest before serving. This step is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender burger.

When the burgers are cooked, it’s tempting to dig in immediately, but resist the urge. Resting the burgers for about 5 minutes allows the heat to continue cooking the internal portion and lets the juices settle back into the meat. If you cut into the burger right away, you run the risk of losing those juices, leaving you with a dry and less enjoyable burger.

During the resting period, cover the burgers loosely with aluminum foil to keep them warm. This also helps retain the heat and allows for a more evenly cooked burger when you do take that first bite.

Resting the burgers not only ensures a better taste and texture, but it also provides an opportunity to add any finishing touches, such as adding cheese or other toppings. The residual heat from the resting process will gently melt the cheese, resulting in a gooey and delicious addition to your burger.

While it’s important to let the burgers rest, don’t wait too long. The longer they sit, the more they will cool down, and no one wants a lukewarm burger. Aim to serve the burgers immediately after the resting period to enjoy them at their peak temperature and juiciness.

By incorporating this simple step into your burger grilling routine, you’ll elevate your cooking game and impress your family and friends with perfectly cooked, delicious burgers every time. So remember, for the best results, allow those burgers to rest before indulging in your savory creation – you won’t be disappointed.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Cooking burgers on a pellet grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a fantastic way to achieve a smoky, grilled flavor. By following the proper steps, such as preheating the grill, oiling the grates, and using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, you can ensure that your burgers are cooked to perfection.

Remember to cook your burgers for approximately 4 minutes per side for a medium-rare result, and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the burgers. Once they are done, allow them to rest for about 5 minutes to let the heat continue cooking the internal portion and to let the juices settle back into the meat.

During the resting period, cover the burgers loosely with aluminum foil to keep them warm and to allow any finishing touches, such as melting cheese, to be added. Serve the burgers immediately after resting to enjoy them at their peak temperature and juiciness.

By incorporating these steps into your burger grilling routine, you can elevate your cooking game and impress your family and friends with perfectly cooked, delicious burgers every time. So go ahead, let those burgers rest, and savor the mouthwatering results.