How To Cook Frozen Burgers On The Stove (Skillet Method)

Don’t have time to defrost your burger patties or fire up the grill? No problem! Learn How To Cook Frozen Burgers On The Stove using a heavy bottomed pan or cast iron skillet in just 15 minutes. A quick and easy way to cook burger patties in a pinch!

Having a pack full of frozen burger patties in the freezer is always a good idea. They make a quick meal in a pinch.

If you don’t want to fire up the grill, you can cook frozen burger patties in the air fryer or you can learn the best way to cook frozen burgers on stove!

The frozen burgers cast iron method is the best way to pan fry a frozen burger for a juicy piece of meat that is perfectly browned on the outside without thawing or defrosting.

🍳Why Use A Cast Iron Skillet For Cooking Burgers?

Cast iron skillets are the best way to to cook burgers. Why? their superb heat control. They heat up evenly and stay that way, meaning no dry, unevenly cooked patties. The high heat sears the surface, locking in juices and creating that crave-worthy crust. Plus, the weight prevents temperature dips, keeping things consistent.

If you’re cooking frozen burgers without a cast iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or enamel pan will work just as good. Just crank the heat a bit higher to mimic the cast iron.

🍔Ingredients and Equipment

• Frozen Burger Patties – These can be found in the frozen section of almost any grocery store. Popular brands include Great Value, Angus, Philly Gourmet, Bubba, Good and Gather, and Jennie-O.
• Cooking Oil – This will help prevent the burgers from sticking to the skillet and add flavor. Use a neutral flavored cooking oil. I love using ghee or beef tallow!
• Salt and Pepper – Even though seasoning is optional, sprinkling a bit of salt and pepper onto the burgers once the outside layer is defrosted is a great way to enhance their flavor.
• Skillet -To cook your frozen burger patties on the stovetop, you’ll need a large heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron skillet.

📖How To Cook Frozen Burgers On The Stovetop

1️⃣Preheat your skillet: Add your pan or cast iron skillet to the stovetop and let it heat to medium-high heat, making sure not to let it get too hot.

2️⃣Prepare the frozen burgers: Take apart the individually frozen burger patties, remove the wax or parchment paper, and discard.

3️⃣Add oil to the skillet: Add the oil to the hot skillet and let it get thin and shiny. This takes about 2 minutes

4️⃣Pan fry the frozen burgers: Place the frozen burger patties on the hot oiled skillet and let them sit there for 3-5 minutes. Then flip them and let them cook for 3-5 minutes on the other side.

5️⃣Season the burgers: Before the second side is cooked, sprinkle salt and pepper on the first cooked side and repeat on the other side.

6️⃣Flip until cooked: Flip the burgers every 2-3 minutes to continue cooking and prevent burning. Depending on their size, the burgers will be fully cooked in about 15 minutes.

7️⃣Rest and serve: Remove the burgers from the skillet and serve hot with your favorite toppings!

👩🏻‍🍳Chef’s Tips

• How long to cook frozen burgers on stove depends on the thickness and size of your burgers. The safe internal temperature for beef burgers is 165F, so check your burgers’ temperature before removing them from the skillet with a kitchen thermometer.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this will make it harder to flip the burgers and prevent them from cooking evenly if you have more burger patties that can fit in your skillet, cook them in batches.
• This method works with other types of frozen burger patties, including frozen turkey burgers, bison burgers, chicken burgers, veggie burgers (Impossible Burgers, Boca Burgers, or Beyond Meat), and salmon burgers.
• Do not let the skillet get too hot, this can cause the outside to burn before the inside fully cooks through. If the burgers look like they’re browning too fast, turn down the heat.
• For easy cheeseburgers, place a slice on top of the burger patties during the last few minutes of cooking. Place a lid over the top of the skillet to let the heat melt the cheese if needed.
• Add other seasonings to the burgers in the first few minutes of cooking, like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder.
• For extra flavor, brush the burgers with BBQ sauce, ketchup, or mustard while they’re cooking.

🙋🏻‍♀️FAQ

How do you keep burgers from sticking to a skillet or cast iron skillet?

The best way to keep burgers from sticking is to use cooking oil and ensure the skillet is hot before adding the burgers. Also, make sure the heat isn’t too hot.

How long does it take to cook frozen burgers on the stovetop?

Frozen burgers will take about 15 minutes to cook through on the stovetop, depending on their size and thickness.

👍🏻More Burger Tips

• How To Keep Burgers From Shrinking (5 Ways)
• How Long Do Cooked Burgers Last In The Fridge?
• How To Reheat Burgers In The Air Fryer