Easy Burger Seasoning Blend

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/3/22
Tested by
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Tested by Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Easy burger seasoning blend on a plate with uncooked burger patty in background

The Spruce Eats

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 4 1/2 servings
Yield: 3 tablespoons
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
11 Calories
0g Fat
2g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 1/2
Amount per serving
Calories 11
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 472mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 0mg 3%
Potassium 61mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A juicy burger is always a welcome dish, but one that is seasoned properly is even better. This basic burger seasoning is made with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Feel free to add a little minced dried onion for added flavor and a bit of texture if you like. Mix it into the meat or sprinkle it over the patties as they cook. Either way, your burgers are sure to be more flavorful.

This spice blend is great for grilled, broiled, or pan-fried burgers, as well as ​juicy baked burgers. It will also add great flavor to your favorite meatloaf or meatball mixture and works well on other meats like chicken and pork. The recipe makes enough for more than a few meals, and you'll find plenty of other uses for it when the jar is in your spice cupboard.

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"A nice seasoning blend for burgers. The recommended amount per pound of ground beef is spot-on and enhances the burger flavor without overwhelming it. You’ll have some left over, but I can envision many other uses. I tried it in a cheeseburger casserole and it added an excellent boost of flavor." —Colleen Graham

Easy Burger Seasoning Mix Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for easy burger seasoning recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats

  2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and blend well.

    Spices for seasoning blend stirred with spoon in a bowl

    The Spruce Eats

  3. Mix 2 teaspoons of spice blend into each pound of ground beef or sprinkle over the burgers as you cook them.

    Burger seasoning being sprinkled on a raw burger patty with a spoon

     The Spruce Eats

Tips

  • When freshly grinding the pepper, grind it into a small dish, then measure it using a teaspoon. It will require more grinds than you may expect and will be neater when done this way.
  • It's important to avoid overmixing ground beef when making burgers. Work the spice into the meat as efficiently as possible.
  • Store any extra seasoning blend in a closed container and keep in a cool, dark place.

When Should Burgers Be Seasoned?

Baked and broiled burgers are easier when the spice is mixed into the meat. If you prefer to sprinkle it on later or are cooking prepared patties, add the seasoning as you grill or pan-fry. Season one side of the burgers and put that side down on the grill or pan, then season the other side before it's time to flip. Use only as much as will stick to the patty's surface. Any excess will simply fall off when the burger is flipped anyway.

Recipe Variation

  • Only a small amount of cayenne pepper is called for in the seasoning, but feel free to leave it out if you're not a fan of spice.
  • Switch to smoked paprika for a little extra smoke flavor that's perfect for grilled burgers.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar for a slightly sweeter seasoning mix.

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