Pellet Grill Burgers: How to Make Juicy, Smoky Burgers Every Time

Few things beat the flavor of a juicy, smoky burger hot off the pellet grill. Whether you’re a seasoned backyard pitmaster or new to grilling, this guide will walk you through how to make the best burgers on a pellet grill—from choosing the meat to adding those final, drool-worthy toppings.

1. Choosing the Right Ground Beef for Juicy Burgers

Grill flames rising under juicy beef patties on a pellet grill during high-heat searing. — Burger Patties Searing Over Open Flame on a Pellet Grill

The base of any great burger starts with the meat. When you’re smoking or grilling burgers on a pellet grill, the fat content matters big time.

Go 80/20: Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal. It keeps your burger juicy without too much grease dripping down into the grill.
USDA Prime vs. Choice: Prime beef can bring a little more richness, but Choice works just fine—especially when paired with smoky wood pellets.
Skip the lean stuff: 90/10 or leaner tends to dry out on a pellet grill, especially with the longer cooking time.
Use a burger press: This helps make uniform patties, so they cook evenly and hold their shape better.

2. Seasoning & Flavor Boosters for Pellet Grill Burgers

A burger’s seasoning can take it from good to unforgettable.

Keep it classic: A generous pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper is often all you need.
Level it up: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to your blend for added depth.
When to season: Season after shaping the patties—not before—to avoid overworking the meat.
Stuffed burger ideas: Try stuffing with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or even jalapeños for a gooey, flavorful center.

3. Prepping Your Pellet Grill for Burgers

Burger patties on a pellet grill topped with melted cheddar cheese, sizzling over smoky heat. — Golden melt and smoky heat—cheddar-topped burgers grilling to perfection on a pellet smoker.

Prepping your grill the right way ensures a perfect sear and rich smoky flavor.

Choose your pellets wisely: For burgers, hickory and mesquite wood pellets are top picks. Hickory adds a strong, bacon-like aroma, while mesquite is bold and earthy.
Set the temp: Preheat your Traeger or Pit Boss pellet grill to 375°F–400°F.
Give it time: Let your grill preheat for at least 15 minutes so you get those clean sear marks.
Optional boost: Add a smoker tube for an extra hit of smoke if you want a deeper flavor.

For detailed pellet grill tips and maintenance, visit Traeger’s official grilling guide.

4. Step-by-Step Guide: Grilling the Perfect Burger on a Pellet Grill

🔥Now let’s get to the good part: grilling.

Step 1: Shape & Chill

Form your burger patties (about 6 oz each) and place them on parchment paper. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This helps them stay firm and juicy on the grill.

Step 2: Preheat the Pellet Grill

Set your pellet grill to 375°F. Use hickory or mesquite pellets for bold, smoky flavor.

Step 3: Grill Your Burgers

Place the burgers directly on the grates. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Step 4: Check Internal Temperature

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness. For well-done burgers, aim for 160°F internal temp.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Toast Buns

Add a slice of cheddar cheese in the last 1–2 minutes. Toss your brioche buns on the top rack or grill plate for a light toast.

Step 6: Let Rest & Assemble

Rest burgers for 2–3 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy. Now build that masterpiece.

5. Burger Building Tips and Serving Ideas

Cheeseburgers with gooey melted cheese cooking on a pellet grill with visible grill marks. — The melt that makes mouths water—smoky cheeseburgers grilling low and slow on a pellet smoker.

The burger is hot and ready—now let’s make it mouthwatering.

Top it off: Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, red onion, and dill pickles.
Get saucy: Try a smoky BBQ mayo, spicy sriracha ketchup, or a homemade garlic aioli.
Pick the right bun: Soft, slightly sweet brioche buns are top tier. Potato rolls or pretzel buns also hold up well.
Don’t forget the sides: Smoked corn on the cob, grilled potato wedges, or creamy slaw are excellent pairings.

Want to try something different on your pellet grill? Check out our pellet smoker brisket recipe for another flavor-packed idea!.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Cooking burgers on a pellet grill brings together the best of grilling and smoking. With the right meat, seasoning, pellets, and a bit of know-how, you’ll be serving up juicy, flavorful burgers that rival your favorite burger joint. Fire up that Traeger or Pit Boss, and get ready to impress your crew!

How to Make the Best Burgers on a Pellet Grill