This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Make the BEST burgers with this simple 2-minute, 7-ingredient hamburger seasoning blend. It’s salty, savory, a little spicy, with a touch sweet – ready to take burgers, veggies, and fries to the next level!
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to season burgers with for gourmet-level results, you’ve come to the right place. After several tests and tweaks, I can confidently say that this is the best burger seasoning blend I’ve ever tried. It deserves to be shared so everyone can make delicious, gourmet-tasting burgers from home!
As simple as it is to grab the individual spices each time they’re needed, it feels like such a slog on busy weeknights and when I want to get food in my belly as soon as possible. That’s why homemade seasoning blends like steak seasoning, chicken seasoning, and this hamburger seasoning have become a “secret weapon” in my kitchen to save time and effort.
They require just a handful of inexpensive pantry staples, will mix up in seconds, are cost-effective, and store for months. Unlike store-bought options, there’s nothing artificial, and you can easily tweak the ratios to your liking. Better yet, the best seasoning for burgers (aka this one!) not only enhances and makes for a more complex, full-rounded burger overall but also tenderizes them for super juicy burgers.
Best of all, it will also add great flavor to veggie burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, tacos, chicken, veggies, fries, and more – so make up a big batch!
Want to save this recipe?
Burger Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
With just a handful of fresh (!!) pantry spices, you can make this delicious seasoning in a couple of minutes tops!
- Sweet paprika: I used sweet paprika this time, though you can use smoked paprika if you’d prefer, or even a 50/50 blend.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: For savory, aromatic flavor. Dried onion and garlic flakes would also work.
- Salt & black pepper: To make the best hamburger seasoning blend, use kosher salt or sea salt (not table salt – which is saltier and requires a different amount) and freshly cracked black pepper (or white pepper).
- Brown sugar: A little sugar will add a subtly sweet, caramelized flavor and crust.
- Chili powder: (optional) to add some heat. Cayenne pepper would also work.
You can tweak the ratio of any of the above spices to your liking for a versatile, customizable seasoning. That includes reducing the sodium, increasing the spice, etc.
How to Make Burger Seasoning
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar and mix/whisk well. Then store the spice mix in an airtight container.
How to Season Burgers?
As a general rule, you’ll need about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 1.5lb of ground beef (though it also works with turkey or pork).
Stir it into the meat (but don’t overwork it or it can make it tough) before forming the burger patties, so it’s evenly dispersed throughout. OR sprinkle it over the formed patties before or during the cooking process (in a pan or on the grill).
Other Ways to Use Burger Seasoning
Don’t worry, this seasoning mix isn’t a one-trick pony. I love having it on hand for:
- Meatballs, meatloaf, or taco meat,
- Steak or chicken,
- Hamburger casserole,
- In a grilled cheese,
- Seasoning fries and roasted potatoes,
- Sprinkled over cooked vegetables,
- Mixed into eggs,
- Popcorn and other savory “snacks” (like tortilla chips, pretzels, roasted nuts, etc.)
Storage Instructions
Store the jar in a cool, dry, dark location like a pantry or kitchen cupboard and use it within 4-6 months for the best flavor and freshness.
More Homemade Easy Spice Blends
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
- Easy French Fry Seasoning
- Simple Mexican Seasoning (Mexican Spice Blend)
- The Best Steak Seasoning Recipe
If you try this easy homemade burger seasoning recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
The Best Burger Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp sweet paprika or smoked paprika, or a 50/50 blend
- 1 Tbsp salt use kosher/sea salt NOT table salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder optional – or cayenne pepper
This will yield about 5 Tbsp of a mixed spice blend
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar, mix/whisk well, then store the spice mix in an airtight container.
- Store the jar in a cool, dry, dark location like a pantry or kitchen cupboard and use it within 4-6 months for the best flavor and freshness.
How to Season Burgers
- As a general rule, you'll need about 1 Tbsp of seasoning per 1.5 lb of ground beef.Stir it into the meat (but don't overwork it or it can make it tough) before forming the patties, so it's evenly dispersed throughout. OR sprinkle it over the formed patties before or during the cooking process.
Notes
- Use fresh spices: The longer they’ve sat in your pantry, the weaker/less fresh they will be, which can affect the overall flavor.
- Start off small: Especially with the salt and spice. Add a little to begin, test it in some burger meat, then increase if desired. I test it in just a spoonful of meat in a skillet – then I can adjust it to taste.
- Dried oregano, rosemary, and/or thyme,
- Cumin – for an earthy, savory flavor,
- Mustard powder – for subtle heat and tang,
- Lemon pepper – instead of regular pepper for a bright, citrusy flavor,
- Dried parsley – for a little “freshness.”
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
