How to Grill a Burger with a Cast Iron Skillet

by Omaha Steaks
Last updated Jul 6, 2023

You can grill a burger the traditional way (on a charcoal or gas grill)… the flavor is out of this world. You can cook a burger inside on a cast iron pan… the crispy sear you’ll get is even better than your favorite restaurant.

But why can’t you have both? Here’s how to make a burger using a cast iron pan ON your grill.

How to grill a burger with a cast iron skillet

Cooking burgers on a cast iron pan on the grill creates a dual-cooking scenario that will set your burger apart from the rest. Of course, start with high-quality 100% beef burgers of significant size, something like Omaha Steaks Private Reserve® Angus Burgers. Don’t do anything fancy to the patties, and season them simply with salt and pepper or Omaha Steaks Seasoning.

1. Prep your grill

Prepare your grill as usual. For cooking in a pan, there’s no need to make a two- or three-zone fire… arrange your lit charcoal evenly. Preheat the grill to 450°F.

2. Pre-heat cast iron skillet

Place your cast iron pan on the grill for 5 to 10 minutes before you add any food to let it come up to temperature. You want your skillet to be HOT before cooking.

3. Cook burgers until internal temperature reaches 160°F

Cook your burgers directly on the pan surface, flipping once or twice and keeping the grill lid closed in between flips. Cook until internal temperature of the burger reaches 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.

4. Add cheese (if desired)

Top burgers with cheese (if you’re using cheese) a couple of minutes before removing burgers from the pan.

Why grill with a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron skillets are formed from a single piece of metal, which provides for an even distribution of heat — something you just don’t get from your charcoal grill alone. Because cast iron is seasoned with a non-stick coating, the clean-up is much easier than that of a traditional barbecue.

Just wipe the skillet with a damp rag and you’re ready to fire up the grill again! How easy is that? Here’s how to season a cast iron pan. The skillet has plenty of space to toast buttered buns, crisp bacon, and grill onions too. Just be sure to leave the lid off the grill if you’re cooking items in addition to your burgers; that way, you can keep on eye on them.

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How to Grill a Burger with a Cast Iron Skillet

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