If you’re looking for delicious and juicy burgers, Traeger smoked burgers are the perfect choice. With a pellet grill and smoker, these burgers soak up wood-fired flavours from hickory wood, giving them a deep smokey flavour. The key is slow cooking, followed by searing for that mouthwatering finish, then topping with cheese and your favourite toppings for the best burgers you’ll ever taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a first-timer just getting started, this simple recipe is perfect. Use DIY hamburger patties or store-bought beef patties, and you’ll enjoy a smoked burger with perfect juiciness and flavour that punches above its weight. Ideal for a barbecue cookout or backyard cookout, these burgers will have your guests raving and craving more, with their tender texture and smoky flavor.
Main Ingredients for a Great Smoked Burger
To make the best Traeger smoked burgers, focus on these key ingredients:
- Use Ground Beef with an 80/20 blend for the perfect mix of meat and savoury fat, ensuring juicy and flavorful smoked burgers.
- Season with Traeger Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub for a smokey, slightly sweet taste that elevates the flavour profile.
How To Make Traeger Smoked Burgers
Crafting the Perfect Burger Patties
Start by adding ground beef (80/20 for the perfect fat-to-meat ratio) into a mixing bowl. Then, add egg yolk, a little Traeger rub, Thyme, and a splash of A1 steak sauce. Use your hands to mix everything until the ingredients are well incorporated. Next, form the patties, making them about 5 inches wide and 1 inch thick, and place them on a tray. Let the patties rest for about 5 minutes before smoking.
Smoking the Patties to Perfection
Now it’s time to fire up your Traeger grill. Set your smoker to 225°F (or activate the super smoke mode if you have it). Place the patties directly on the grill and let them smoke for about 40-50 minutes. The key is reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. You can flip them at the 30-minute mark (optional). If you want to top the burgers with cheese, add it in the final moments, letting it melt on the near-finished burger patty for about 45-60 seconds.
Assembling Your Smoked Burger
While your patties are finishing on the grill, place your hamburger buns on the grill to toast for 2-3 minutes. Once toasted, plate your buns and spread your favourite burger sauce on the bottom bun. Add the smoked patty, and then top with fresh tomatoes, pickles, and any other fixings you enjoy. To elevate it further, consider placing the whole burger back on the grill for a couple of extra minutes to give it a final smoked touch.
The Best Type of Ground Beef for Smoked Burgers
For the juiciest Traeger smoked burgers, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef, as the fat content keeps the burger nice and juicy during cooking. Leaner mixes like 90/10 or 85/15 just don’t deliver the same flavour and can result in a dry burger. The higher fat-content burger ensures it doesn’t dry out and delivers a better result.
The 80/20 ratio gives you a little more juicy bite compared to 85/15 ground beef, which is comparable but lacks richness. The saturated fat in 80/20 helps your burger retain moisture while on the grill. So, if you want a flavorful burger that stays nice and juicy, opt for the 80/20 for the best outcome.
Choosing the Perfect Wood Pellets for Smoked Burgers
- Hickory: Strong, rich, bold smoke flavour.
- Mesquite: Intense, sharp, robust taste.
- Applewood: Mild, slightly sweet flavour.
- Cherrywood: Sweet, fruity, balanced smoke.
- Pecan: Smooth, nutty, slightly sweet.
- Blended: Custom flavours from mixing woods.
- Experiment: Combine pellets to match your taste.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
- Dry Burgers: Use 80/20 ground beef and monitor the internal temperature (165°F) to avoid overcooking. Smoking at low temps helps retain moisture.
- Undercooked Patties: If undercooked, extend the smoking time and check your smoker’s temperature to maintain a steady 225°F.
- Burnt Exteriors: Keep the smoker at 225°Fand limit flipping to avoid burnt outside and raw inside. Only flip once to preserve juiciness.
How Long To Smoke Burgers At 225°F?
When smoking burgers on a Traeger Grill, set your smoker to 225°F and cook them nice and slow for about 40-50 minutes. If you have super smoke mode, activate it for extra flavour. While it takes longer than grilling on high heat, the results are worth the wait.
Should I flip burgers when Smoking them?
When cooking burgers on a Traeger, flipping them repeatedly is unnecessary. You can flip them if you like, but make sure to do it only once. This helps to retain the juice inside the patty and prevents it from draining out. To ensure a juicy burger at the end, it’s best to keep the flipping to a minimum. The key is allowing the smoker to work its magic without disturbing the cooking process too much.
How to Store Leftover Smoked Burgers
Smoked burgers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. They can be reheated in the oven, stovetop, or microwave. For fresh meal ideas, get creative with leftovers by turning them into sliders, salads, or tacos. Enjoy the smoky flavour all over again!
FAQS
- How long do you smoke burgers on a Traeger?
Smoke burgers on a Traeger for about 40-50 minutes at 225°F. - How long to smoke burgers at 250 degrees?
Smoke burgers at 250°Ffor about 30-40 minutes, depending on thickness. - Are hamburgers good on the Traeger?
Yes, Traeger smoked hamburgers are flavorful, juicy, and tender, thanks to the smoker’s even heat. - Why are smoked burgers pink?
Smoked burgers can appear pink due to the smoking process, which can sometimes cause a red or pink colour in the centre even when fully cooked. This is often safe if the internal temperature is correct.