Juicy Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

Sizzling Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe for Backyard Chefs

Burgers sizzle with incredible flavor when you master the traeger smoked burgers technique that elevates backyard grilling.

Smoky aromas drift through the air, promising a mouthwatering meal that will delight even the most discerning meat lovers.

Wood pellets infuse each patty with rich, deep notes that traditional grilling can never achieve.

Premium ground beef becomes a culinary masterpiece under careful smoking.

The right blend of seasonings and precise temperature control transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality feast.

Dense, juicy patties emerge from the traeger with a perfect outer crust and tender interior.

Prepare to savor every single bite of these irresistible smoked burgers that will make you the grill master of your neighborhood.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 455 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List For Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciest burgers with perfect texture and rich flavor, ensuring meat stays moist during smoking.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and helps bind meat mixture while enhancing overall savory profile.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic enhancers that bring out natural beef flavors and create delicious exterior crust.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides aromatic depth and subtle background notes that complement beef's richness.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone that complements Traeger's wood-fired cooking method, adding extra layer of complexity.

Gear For Juicy Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ground beef and seasonings without overworking the meat.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion out salt, pepper, and spices for consistent flavor.
  • Meat thermometer: Essential for checking burger doneness and food safety.
  • Traeger grill or smoker: Key equipment for achieving that delicious smoky flavor.
  • Spatula: Needed for flipping burgers and transferring them on and off the grill grates.

How To Grill Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe Right

  • Prepare the Burger Mixture

Mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Handle the meat gently to keep the texture tender and juicy.

  • Shape Perfect Patties

Create four plump burger patties about 12 inches thick. Press a small indent in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent bulging during smoking.

  • Fire Up the Traeger

Preheat your Traeger smoker to 225°F, creating the ideal low and slow environment for rich, smoky flavor infusion.

  • Smoke the Burgers

Place patties directly on the grill grates. Smoke for about 60-75 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb deep wood-fired taste and cook to a perfect medium-rare.

  • Finish with High Heat

Crank the Traeger temperature to 450°F for the final 3-5 minutes. This quick sear will develop a delicious caramelized crust while maintaining the burger’s juicy interior.

  • Rest and Serve

Remove burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is mouthwatering and tender.

Tips To Make Traeger Smoked Burgers Extra Bold

  • Meat Magic: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juiciest, most flavorful burgers that won't dry out during smoking.
  • Dimple Trick: Always create a small indentation in burger patties' center to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging, helping them maintain a perfect flat shape.
  • Seasoning Boost: Experiment with different spice blends like Montreal steak seasoning or Italian herb mix to add unique flavor profiles to your smoked burgers.
  • Low and Slow Wisdom: Maintain consistent smoker temperature around 225-250°F for ideal smoke penetration and tender, perfectly cooked meat without charring.
  • Cheese Melt Technique: Add cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing it to gently melt and create a creamy, delicious topping without overcooking the burger.

Serve Up Traeger Smoked Burgers With Ease

  • Gourmet Burger Bar Extravaganza: Set up a DIY burger station with an array of toppings like crispy bacon, melted cheese slices, caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickles for guests to customize their smoked burgers.
  • Hearty Side Companion: Pair these juicy smoked burgers with crispy sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, or a zesty garden salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the rich meat flavors.
  • Rustic Burger Plating: Serve on wooden cutting boards or cast-iron skillets for a rustic presentation that highlights the smoky char and gourmet feel of these perfectly grilled patties, making the dining experience more memorable and Instagram-worthy.
  • Wine and Brew Pairing: Match these robust smoked burgers with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a craft beer with malty undertones to enhance the deep, smoky flavor profile of the meat.

Storing Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe Properly

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate patties for 30 minutes before smoking to help them maintain shape and enhance meat binding.
  • Smart Leftover Management: Store cooked burgers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, separating each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness, ensuring juicy results.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Juicy Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe

Juicy Traeger Smoked Burgers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Juicy Traeger smoked burgers bring robust wood-fired flavor to classic American grilling. Smoky beef patties and melted cheese create an irresistible backyard feast you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef
  • 4 brioche or hamburger buns
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Pickles
  • Onion
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Fusion: Thoroughly blend ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a generous mixing bowl, meticulously distributing seasonings without compressing the meat.
  2. Patty Preparation: Segment the seasoned mixture into four identical portions, molding each into a slender 12-inch patty with a gentle center depression to preserve a level surface during smoking.
  3. Smoker Setup: Ignite the Traeger smoker to 225°F, selecting hickory or apple wood chips to infuse a nuanced smoky undertone.
  4. Smoking Process: Arrange patties on smoker grates, maintaining spacing for uniform heat circulation, and smoke for 60-75 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 110°F.
  5. Final Searing: Escalate smoker temperature to 450°F, creating a robust exterior crust and achieving 135°F internal temperature for a succulent medium doneness.
  6. Resting Phase: Transfer burgers from smoker and allow 5-7 minutes of rest, enabling juice redistribution for maximum flavor intensity.
  7. Serving Presentation: Present on toasted buns with complementary condiments, showcasing the burger’s rich, smoky character.

Notes

  • Meat Handling Technique: Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough, dense burgers; overworking ground beef can make patties dense and chewy.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to accurately track internal temperature for consistent doneness and food safety.
  • Moisture Preservation: Create a slight center indentation in patties to prevent bulging and maintain even cooking, helping retain burger’s natural juices.
  • Wood Selection Strategy: Choose mild woods like hickory or apple for subtle smoky flavor that complements beef without overpowering its natural taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star