Cast Iron Burgers

Get ready for the juiciest, most flavorful burgers you’ve ever made at home! There’s something magical about that perfect sear and sealed-in juices you can only get from a properly heated cast iron skillet.

The secret to these incredible burgers lies in the power of cast iron cooking. That beautifully seasoned surface creates an incredible crust while keeping the inside perfectly juicy. Plus, that touch of Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients

• 14 oz ground beef (20% fat)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine 14 oz ground beef and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – overmixing will make your burgers tough. Form into 3.5 oz patties (about the size of your palm), making a slight dimple in the center to prevent bulging. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper.
2. Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to heat for 3-5 minutes until very hot. You can test the temperature by flicking a drop of water onto the surface – it should immediately sizzle and dance.
3. Place seasoned patties into the heated pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until you see juices starting to pool on top and a deep brown crust has formed on the bottom.
4. Flip once and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C). Add 1 minute for medium, or 2 minutes for well-done.
5. Transfer burgers to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into them.

Smart Swaps

• Use ground turkey (93% lean) mixed with 1 tbsp olive oil per pound for a leaner option
• Try ground bison for a more intense flavor with less fat
• Replace Worcestershire with coconut aminos for a gluten-free version

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Choose 85/15 ground beef instead of 80/20 to reduce fat while maintaining moisture
• Serve on a low-carb cloud bread (1g carb per slice) instead of traditional buns
• Add sliced avocado for healthy fats that help slow glucose absorption
• Pair with non-starchy vegetables like grilled zucchini or roasted cauliflower

Pro Tips

• Let meat come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking
• Never press down on burgers while cooking – this squeezes out precious juices
• For cheeseburgers, add cheese during the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid
• Clean your cast iron with salt and oil, never soap, to maintain seasoning