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How to Grill Hamburgers on a Traeger Grill

By: Author Robert McCall

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Grilling hamburgers on a Traeger grill is an easy way to achieve a delicious, smoky flavor.

With its wood pellet fuel system and temperature control, a Traeger grill offers a unique and versatile cooking experience for any grilling enthusiast.

In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to grill hamburgers on a Traeger grill, from patty preparation to grilling and smoking.

Preparing the Burger Patties

Before we start grilling, it’s essential to prepare the burger patties correctly. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Choose the right ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef, which is 80% lean beef and 20% fat, for juicy and flavorful burgers.
  2. Divide and shape the beef: Divide the ground beef into four 4-ounce portions and lightly roll them into balls. Wet your hands with cold water and shape the beef into a 1-inch patty that’s roughly 3-1/2 inches wide. Don’t pack the beef too tightly, as the patty needs just enough pressure to hold together.
  3. Season the patties: Season your patties with Traeger Beef Rub, salt, and pepper.
  4. Chill the patties: Chill the burger patties in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to a few hours before grilling. This step helps the patties hold their shape during grilling.

Setting Up Your Traeger Grill

Now that your patties are ready, it’s time to set up your Traeger grill for grilling:

  1. Add wood pellets: Choose your preferred wood pellet flavor (Hickory is recommended for burgers) and fill the hopper.
  2. Preheat the grill: Turn on your grill and preheat it with the lid closed. Depending on your desired cooking method, you can choose from different temperature settings:
    • For grilling and smoking: Set the temperature to 275°F and preheat the grill with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes.
    • For grilling only: Preheat the grill to 400-450°F with the lid closed.

Grilling the Burgers

Once your Traeger grill is preheated, it’s time to grill your burgers:

  1. Place the patties on the grill: Place the hamburger patties on the grill grates.
  2. Grill the burgers: Cook the burgers for about 8 minutes, flipping once, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  3. Optional – Add cheese: If you’re making cheeseburgers, add a slice of your preferred cheese to each patty about 1-2 minutes before they’re done cooking. Close the lid to allow the cheese to melt.
  4. Remove and rest the burgers: Once the burgers have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the patty, ensuring a juicy and flavorful burger.

Smoking the Burgers (Optional)

If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can also smoke your burgers on the Traeger grill. Follow these steps to smoke your burgers:

  1. Preheat the grill: Set the Traeger grill to the “Smoke” setting with the lid open until the fire is established (4-5 minutes).
  2. Smoke the patties: Place the chilled burger patties on the grill grates and smoke them at 225°F for about 30-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 135-145°F.
  3. Finish grilling: Increase the grill temperature to 400-450°F and sear the burgers for 1-2 minutes per side to achieve a nice crust.
  4. Rest and serve: Remove the burgers from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, and serve.

Grilling Frozen Burgers on a Traeger Grill

In case you have frozen burger patties and want to grill them directly on your Traeger grill, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your Traeger grill to 400°F with the lid closed.
  2. Place the frozen patties on the grill: Place the frozen burger patties on the grill grates.
  3. Grill the frozen patties: Cook the patties for about 10 minutes, flipping once. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and the desired level of doneness.
  4. Rest and serve: Remove the burgers from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, and serve.

It is highly recommended to thaw your beef hamburger patties before grilling, particularly when using Traeger grills. Thawing ensures better flavor development and promotes even cooking, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying meal.

However, if you find yourself in a time crunch or simply prefer the convenience, I have another dedicated blog post that outlines the step-by-step process of grilling frozen Costco burgers on a Traeger.

Final Thoughts

Grilling hamburgers on a Traeger grill is a simple and enjoyable process that results in delicious, juicy, and flavorful burgers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure perfect burgers everytime!