Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

The Ultimate Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe for Juicy Perfection

Beef patties sizzle with smoky perfection on a traeger smoked burgers adventure that revolutionizes backyard grilling.

Delicate wood chips infuse each bite with rich, complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Professional chefs and weekend grill masters alike appreciate this technique for creating restaurant-quality burgers at home.

Charred edges and juicy centers become your signature when you master this method.

Wood-fired cooking brings an authentic smokiness that elevates simple ground beef into a culinary masterpiece.

Deep umami notes complement the natural meat flavors, creating an irresistible combination.

Grab your apron and fire up the grill—these burgers will become your new weekend obsession.

What Makes Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe So Juicy

  • Effortless Flavor Boost: Combining simple seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika transforms ordinary ground beef into a taste sensation that will wow your family and friends.
  • Master the Smoky Technique: Traeger smoking creates a rich, deep flavor profile that traditional grilling can't match, infusing each burger with incredible wood-fired smokiness that elevates the entire eating experience.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: With just a few minutes of mixing and shaping, you'll have restaurant-quality burgers ready to smoke, making this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.
  • Foolproof Patty Perfection: Creating a small dimple in the center prevents burgers from puffing up during cooking, ensuring even cooking and a professional-looking result that looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Everything You’ll Need For Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, juicy protein that forms the core of the burger, choose 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, savory umami notes and helps bind meat mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic burger seasonings that enhance natural beef flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide aromatic depth and complementary savory notes.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with Traeger grilling method.
Burger Shaping:
  • No additional ingredients needed for this step, focus on creating even patties with a center dimple to prevent bulging during cooking.

How To Cook Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe Just Right

Step 1: Blend Flavor-Packed Burger Mix

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef with a delightful blend of seasonings:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika

Gently fold the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the burgers tough.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Burger Patties

Create four generously sized burger patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Use a light touch when forming the meat to keep the texture tender. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty – this clever trick prevents the burgers from puffing up during cooking and helps them maintain a flat shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Traeger Grill

Fire up your Traeger grill and set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow approach will infuse the burgers with incredible smoky flavor.

Step 4: Initial Smoking Session

Place the patties directly on the grill grates. Let them smoke gently, absorbing the wood-fired essence for about 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Boost the Heat

Increase the grill temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help develop a beautiful, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 6: Finish to Perfection

Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare or 160 degrees Fahrenheit for medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is supremely succulent.

Pro Tips For Better Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

  • Avoid Overworking Meat: Gently mix ingredients to keep burgers tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
  • Create Perfect Patty Shape: Press a small dimple in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent burger bulging.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Experiment with different spice combinations like adding smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for extra kick.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Use 80/20 ground beef ratio to maintain juiciness and prevent dry burgers during smoking process.
  • Master Smoked Technique: Monitor internal temperature closely, aiming for 160°F for well-done burgers while preserving smoky flavor and meat tenderness.

How To Store Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe Without Drying It Out

  • Keep cooked burgers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
  • For longer preservation, freeze patties up to 2 months by placing them between sheets of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container.
  • Reheat refrigerated burgers in a skillet over medium heat or warm gently in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to restore juiciness and prevent drying out.

Best Bites To Serve With Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

  • Elevate Burger Flavor with Smoky Red Wine: Pair these rich, savory Traeger smoked burgers with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the smoky meat flavors and cuts through the richness.
  • Cool Down with Crisp Coleslaw: Serve a tangy, crunchy coleslaw alongside the burgers to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, smoky meat and balance the meal's richness.
  • Match with Craft Beer Complexity: Select a hoppy IPA or a robust porter that can stand up to the intense smoky flavors of the burger, enhancing the overall grilling experience with its complementary taste profile.
  • Create Creamy Counterpoint with Blue Cheese: Top the burger with crumbled blue cheese to add a creamy, tangy element that intensifies the smoky meat's depth and provides a luxurious texture contrast.

New Twists On Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

  • Spicy Southwest Burger: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the meat mixture for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Burger: Incorporate chopped fresh oregano, mint, and crumbled feta cheese into the ground beef for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Bacon Blue Cheese Burger: Mix crumbled bacon bits and blue cheese crumbles into the meat for an indulgent, rich burger experience.
  • Mushroom Swiss Burger: Fold sautéed wild mushrooms and grated Swiss cheese into the ground beef for an earthy, umami-packed burger.

Your Questions About Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

  • What makes Traeger smoked burgers different from regular grilled burgers?

Traeger smokers infuse a rich, wood-fired flavor into the meat, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile that traditional grilling can’t match. The slow smoking process helps the burger absorb incredible smoky notes from the wood pellets.

  • How do I prevent my burger patties from becoming tough?

Gently mix the ingredients and avoid overworking the meat. Overhandling ground beef can make burgers dense and chewy. The key is to mix just until ingredients are combined and form patties with a light touch.

  • Why should I create a dimple in the center of my burger patties?

The small dimple prevents the burger from puffing up and becoming rounded during cooking. This technique ensures an even cooking surface and helps the burger maintain a flat shape, which is perfect for consistent heat distribution and ideal for adding toppings.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses ground beef, you can experiment with ground chuck, sirloin, or even a blend of meats. Just maintain the same gentle mixing technique and keep the fat content around 15-20% for the juiciest results.

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Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy Traeger smoked burgers blend smoky mesquite flavors with perfectly grilled beef patties. Backyard grill masters will savor this mouthwatering American classic that elevates summer cookouts with robust, wood-fired goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Additional Ingredients:

  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche or hamburger buns
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Pickles
  • Onion

Condiments:

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Gently combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of seasonings without overworking the meat.
  2. Divide the seasoned meat mixture into four equal portions, carefully shaping each into a uniform 12-inch thick patty with a subtle indentation at the center to maintain a flat surface during smoking.
  3. Prepare the Traeger smoker by preheating to 225°F, selecting a mild wood like hickory or apple for a delicate smoky essence.
  4. Place the seasoned patties directly on the smoker grates, allowing ample space between each burger for consistent heat circulation.
  5. Smoke the burgers for approximately 60-75 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 110°F for a perfect medium-rare finish.
  6. Increase the smoker temperature to 450°F for the final stage of cooking, creating a delectable crust and elevating the burger’s exterior to a rich, golden-brown color.
  7. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium doneness, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.
  8. Remove the burgers from the smoker and let them rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
  9. Serve on toasted buns with preferred condiments and toppings, complementing the rich, smoky flavor profile of the Traeger-smoked burgers.

Notes

  • Create a small indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent the burger from becoming dome-shaped on the grill.
  • Mix seasonings gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make burgers tough and dense instead of juicy and tender.
  • Opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to guarantee maximum flavor and moisture during smoking.
  • Experiment with different wood pellets like hickory or mesquite to add unique smoky undertones that complement the meat’s natural richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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