Juicy Beef Brisket Burgers

Ground Beef vs. Ground Brisket

So you may be wondering why all the hype about ground brisket if it too is technically fresh ground beef. True, but there are some key differences.

Butchers can take ground beef from any part of the animal, and they don’t have to specify which cuts. Usually, it’s sirloin, chuck, or round, but not always. Ground brisket, on the other hand, is always brisket (from the animal’s lower chest area).

It’s not the most tender meat, but boy, does it pack in the flavor. And that’s the main difference when you compare ground brisket to ground beef – it’s way more rich and flavorful. Store-bought pre-ground brisket can be a lot pricier than ground beef. However, you can grind your own brisket trimmings or ask your butcher to do it for you to get a little more meat for your money.

Recipe Ingredients

• Brisket – Grind your own or purchase pre-ground brisket from your local grocery store or butcher.
• Bread Crumbs hold moisture and make for a lighter, more tender burger. Plus, since we’re using a more expensive cut of meat, your brisket will make more beef patties.
• Egg – Since we’re adding dry ingredients like bread crumbs, we need a binder. The egg holds all the burger ingredients together, making a patty that’s easy to flip without falling apart.
• Seasonings – Minced garlic and onion, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and some burger seasoning (if you’d like) are all you need. Brisket already tastes great on its own.

How to Make Beef Brisket Burger

Prepare the Brisket and Grill

1. Trim – Start by trimming excess fat from the brisket. Then grind it with a meat grinder or ask your butcher to do it. Or you can purchase pre-ground brisket from your local market or butcher. 
2. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F/204-232°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until covered with white ash. Create a two-zone fire by placing the charcoal on one side of the grill, leaving the other without charcoal. 
3. Filler – Mix eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and bread crumbs until thoroughly combined in a small or medium bowl. 
4. Add the Beef – Add the ground brisket, garlic, green onions, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
   Note: I use 1-1½ teaspoons salt, but sometimes I use 1-2 tablespoons of burger seasoning to enhance the flavor. You can skip this step, but I would highly recommend it.
5. Mix – Then, use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients well. 
6. Divide the mixture into equal-sized portions, depending on how many burgers you want. I usually do 6-8 patties. Make sure they are evenly thick and slightly larger than your burger buns. 
7. Repeat the process until you have used up all the minced brisket. 

Grill the Brisket Burgers

8. Grill – Place the prepared burger patties on your hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t move until ready to turn so they get a nice sear on the outside. Then continue cooking until the burgers’ internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
9. Toast the Buns – During the last 2 minutes of grilling, you can toast the burger buns on the grill. 
10. Serve – Remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Serve on toasted buns and your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, or cheese. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy! Add a kick of heat to your brisket burger with cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning to the ground brisket patty. Then top it with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, or sriracha mayo. ❤️‍🔥
• How about a bacon brisket burger? Top your burger with crispy bacon, cheese of your choice, and traditional burger toppings. The added bacon will contribute a smoky and savory flavor to the burger. 🥓
• Try a Texan-approved BBQ brisket burger. Mix minced smoked brisket with ground beef for a flavorful patty. Then top it with barbecue sauce, sliced red onions, pickles, and coleslaw for a classic BBQ-inspired burger. 🤠

Tips and Tricks

• Choose a mixture of fat and lean portions for a nice, juicy burger when making brisket burgers. The fat is what adds flavor and prevents the patty from drying out.
• When making the patties, avoid overmixing them, as it can toughen the burger. Mix with your hands until the ingredients barely combine.
• On a gas grill, turn off one side if the outside of the burger cooks too fast, then move your patties to the unlit side, away from direct heat. That way, they cook evenly without burning.
• If you’re using a charcoal grill, create a two-zone fire by placing the charcoal on one side and leaving the other empty. That way, you can move the burgers to the cooler side if they start cooking too quickly. 😅

Make-Ahead Instructions

To save a little time, make the brisket patties ahead. If you plan on cooking them within 1-2 days, store them in the refrigerator.

If you want to store them longer, place them in the freezer. Frozen burgers can last for several months without compromising quality. Make sure you store them in airtight containers, regardless of whether they’re going in the fridge or freezer. Thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight before grilling them.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve brisket burgers hot off the grill with all your favorite burger toppings. If you have leftovers, store the burgers (sans buns and toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, fire up the grill or stovetop pan on low heat, and cook until heated through.

FAQs

What Goes With Beef Brisket Burger

There are so many options! I love topping my brisket burger with some grilled onions. I also love a side of sweet potato fries or grilled plantains. Pair it with a cool coleslaw or avocado slices to balance the heat if you decide to go spicy.

If you want veggies with your burger, smoked asparagus is always a hit. For dessert, try some grilled pineapple topped with vanilla ice cream! 🤤

More Craveable Recipes Hot Off the Grill

• Grilled Rockfish
• Grilled Lamb Lollipops
• Chicken Wing Flats
• Salmon Burgers
• Grilled Ribeye

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap on the most crave-worthy burger you’ll ever try! I’d plan on making two burgers per guest for this recipe. 😉 Already tried brisket burgers? Let me know in the comments below how it went. 😘