Our family’s go-to burger seasoning!
If you’ve been settling for subpar hamburgers I’m gonna let you in on a little secret that I’ve been using for years now… this homemade burger seasoning mix.
It’s really nothing too complicated, just a quick mix of some common spices and dried herbs, but the flavor it gives your patties… *CHEF’S KISS!* Get ready to be the new burger king *or queen* in your neighborhood.
I use it all of the time to season ground beef and turkey burgers, but bison, venison, veggie, and even Air Fryer Hamburgers and Burger Bowls will work great with it, too!
(PS – If you want even MORE flavor, you’ve gotta’ try serving your burgers with this Secret Sauce recipe!)
Ingredients and Substitutions
or the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Paprika. This makes up the bulk of the seasoning, so you don’t want to skip it. You can try subbing in half of it with smoked paprika for a little extra depth.
- Garlic and onion powders. I’ve left the onion powder out before and it can be done, but you really need both of these for the best flavor.
- Dried oregano. Oregano is preferred, but just about any dried herb will do here: dried parsley, basil, thyme or a combo would all be great.
- Salt and Black Pepper. Optional and can be left out if you’d rather salt your patties individually.
- Cayenne Powder. Also optional if you don’t like spice. You can even sub in chili powder for a milder taste.
London’s Tip: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar if adding this to ground beef burgers… it tastes ah-maaazing!
How to make this Burger Seasoning
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Measure and mix it up.
Add all of the spices to a small bowl or straight into the jar you’ll store it in. (Mason jars or empty spice containers work great!) Measure everything carefully using teaspoons and tablespoons, saving the salt and pepper for last so you can season to taste. Stir gently with a fork or whisk until fully combined.
Pro Tip: Make sure to remix the seasoning if not using immediately as the garlic and onion powders have a tendency to settle.
Store it for later.
If not using immediately, seal your jar tightly and keep it in a cool, dark spot like a pantry or cabinet. It’ll stay flavorful for up to 6 months when stored properly.
How much seasoning should I use in hamburgers?
This recipe makes 3 tablespoons total—just right for 2 pounds of ground meat.
Use 1 ½ tablespoons per pound of ground meat, mixing it into the meat or sprinkling it on top of formed patties. For maximum flavor, season right before cooking.
When to season hamburger patties?
Seasoning before or after forming patties is a hotly debated topic. Mixing salt into the patty has the potential to dry out the burger, especially if the meat sits out for a period of time before cooking. However, if you don’t add salt to the patty, you run the risk of forgetting!
If you’re worried about them drying out, simply leave the salt out of the mix and salt to taste just before serving.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium bowl of the jar you’ll be storing it in. Whisk together until well mixed. (You don't want any streaks of spices remaining.)1 tablespoon paprika, 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- If using immediately you'll need 1 ½ tablespoons of seasoning mix per pound of ground meat. Or you can store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
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Video
Notes
- Usage after storing: Make sure you remix it well before using as the garlic and onion powders have a tendency to settle.
- Paprika. You can try subbing in half of it with smoked paprika for a little extra depth.
- Garlic and onion powders. I’ve left the onion powder out before and it can be done, but you really need both of these for the best flavor.
-
Dried oregano. Oregano is preferred, but just about any dried herb will do here: dried parsley, basil, thyme or a combo would all be great.
More Homemade Seasoning Mixes
Once you see how easy it is to make your own seasoning mix, you will want to try your hand at these recipes next:
So juicy and simple. Adding to my regular quick dinner routine. TY
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Best hamburger I have had in a long time! Vibrant flavor, nice and juicy
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Dawn! This is definitely my go-to seasoning. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Do you mix this blend into the burger mixture or on top once the burger patty is formed?
Hi Mitzi! It’s completely up to you and your personal preference. I know people who do it both ways.
Thank you for sharing. Watched your Youtube video, and I will put this on my Hamburgers too.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the video, David! I hope you enjoy the burgers. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!
This is an extremely delicious seasoning for hamburgers. Well done, I will use this every time I have the opportunity to do so!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Justin! So glad to hear you will be using it again. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!