If you’re a fan of burgers, you must try brisket burgers. After trying this recipe, your homemade ground beef burgers will never be as good!
Getting the ratio right is essential, so follow my steps below. Freshly ground brisket combined with a few seasonings and grilled is pure perfection.
Table of contents
What is Brisket and Why Does It Make Great Burgers?
Brisket comes from the cow’s chest and is known for being a tough cut with a rich, beefy flavor. Because it’s packed with connective tissue and fat, it’s perfect for slow cooking methods like smoking, which breaks everything down into juicy, tender meat.
That same fat content and flavor make ground brisket one of our favorite burger choices. The natural marbling keeps the patties moist while delivering a deep, savory taste you won’t get from leaner cuts. Whether smoking, grilling, or pan-searing, brisket burgers are a crowd favorite at any cookout.
Advantages of Grinding Brisket
Grinding your brisket delivers unbeatable flavor. Whole brisket typically has a natural 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio—perfect for juicy, flavorful burgers with that rich beefy taste.
It can also be more cost-effective than buying pre-ground meat. In the U.S., most supermarkets usually sell ground beef or chuck for $3 to $5 per pound. I picked up a whole brisket for $3.99 per pound, and the burgers I made were noticeably better than the standard 80/20 ground beef I usually buy.
Check the price of brisket at your local store—you might be surprised at the value, especially when you factor in the quality and taste.
Ingredients for Brisket Burgers
- 1 pound cooked brisket (you can use 1 pound ground Brisket if you want to skip the grinding process)
- Brown Sugar
- Granulated Garlic
- Onion Powder
- Dried Thyme
- Chile Powder
- One teaspoon of Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Smoked Paprika
- Dry Mustard
- Yellow onion
- Burger Buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, BBQ Sauce
Tools
- Gas grill or smoker
- Meat grinder
How to Grind Brisket
Start by cutting your raw brisket into smaller chunks that will fit easily into your grinder. Use the coarsest setting to grind the meat—this gives it a loose, juicy texture that’s perfect for burgers.
If you prefer a finer grind, run it through the grinder again. However, a single pass delivered the best texture for a tender yet meaty bite.
Tip: No grinder? No problem. Most butchers will happily grind the brisket for you—ask!
How to Make Brisket Burgers
1. Seasoning The Ground Brisket
Mix the brown sugar with the spices.
2. Make The Brisket Patties
Add the spice mix to the brisket mixture and add two eggs.
Make six patties and indent the center of each with a spoon.
3. Prep Your Grill
To add an incredible smoke and beefy flavor, prep your grill by starting a grill fire at 350℉ with hickory or oak pellets.
4. Grill
Cook the patties on medium-low or medium heat with a closed grill. Flip your patties and cook each side for about 5 minutes per side. Keep the grill temperature between 325 and 350 ℉. After 8 minutes of cooking over direct heat, check the burgers with a digital thermometer and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉.
How to Serve Brisket Burgers?
Serve shortly after removing from the grill. Then, serve burgers topped with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments on your sesame seed hamburger buns.
Best Way to Store and Reheat Your Brisket Burgers
Leftover brisket burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days by wrapping them in aluminum foil or sealing them in a Ziploc bag.
Place the patties in a covered skillet with about one tablespoon of water to reheat. Heat over medium, flipping after 3 minutes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also reheat them in an air fryer—set it to 350°F and cook for 3–4 minutes until warmed up and slightly crispy on the outside.
Want More Ground Brisket Recipes?
Grinding leftover brisket is a great way to use it. Here are some other delicious ways to use ground brisket
Want More Brisket Recipes?
Love brisket as much as me? I have dozens of brisket recipes! Here are some of my favorites!
Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends for a Brisket Flat
Smoking Brisket on Pit Boss Pellet Grill
Brisket Burgers
Equipment
- 1 Gas grill or smoker
- 1 Meat grinder
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked brisket you can use 1 pound ground Brisket if you want to skip the grinding process
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Granulated Garlic
- 3 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Chile Powder
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
- 3 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dry Mustard
- 1 whole Yellow onion
- 4 whole Burger Buns
- 1 head Lettuce
- 1 whole Tomato
- 4 tbsp Mayo Mustard, Ketchup, BBQ Sauce
Instructions
Grind The Brisket
- You should cut cooked brisket should into smaller pieces. Use a meat grinder on the coarsest setting can to mince it.
Prepare Seasonings for Brisket Burgers
- Mix the brown sugar with the spices.
Make The Brisket Patties
- Add the spice mix to the brisket mixture and add two eggs.
- Make six patties and indent the center of each with a spoon.
Prep Your Grill
- To add an incredible smoke and beefy flavor, prep your grill by starting a grill fire at 350℉ with hickory or oak pellets.
Grill Brisket Burgers
- Cook the patties on medium-low or medium heat with a closed grill.
- Flip your patties and cook each side for about 5 minutes per side. Keep the grill temperature between 325 and 350 ℉.
- After 8 minutes of cooking over direct heat, check the burgers with a digital thermometer and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉.
Serve
- Serve shortly after removing from the grill.
- Then, serve burgers topped with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments on your sesame seed hamburger buns.
Want to take your burger game to the next level?
You gotta try making your burgers with brisket! Your burgers will be bursting with flavor and be super juicy!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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