If you can never have too many pickles on your burger, this Pickle Lover’s Beef Burger is for you. A juicy homemade beef patty is topped with melted cheese, plenty of crunchy dill pickles and a creamy pickle burger sauce, all tucked inside a toasted bun.

It’s tangy, savoury, juicy and packed with pickle flavour in every bite.

Recipe Information

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers

Ingredients

For the Beef Patties

  • 500 g ground/minced beef, preferably 15–20% fat
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 slices cheddar or American-style cheese

For the Pickle Burger Sauce

  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tsp pickle juice
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of black pepper

For Serving

  • 4 burger buns
  • 12–16 dill pickle slices, plus extra if desired
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • ½ small red or white onion, thinly sliced
  • Extra pickle burger sauce

Instructions

1. Make the Pickle Burger Sauce

Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder and black pepper in a small bowl.

Mix until well combined, then refrigerate while you prepare the burgers.

2. Shape the Beef Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions.

Gently shape each portion into a patty slightly wider than the burger buns. Avoid pressing the meat together too firmly.

Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder just before cooking.

3. Cook the Beef Burgers

Heat a cast-iron skillet, heavy frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat.

Add the vegetable oil and place the patties onto the hot cooking surface.

Cook until a nicely browned crust develops. Flip the patties and continue cooking until the minced beef reaches a safe internal temperature according to your local food-safety guidance.

Avoid pressing down repeatedly on the patties while they cook.

4. Add the Cheese

Place one slice of cheese on each beef patty during the final minute or two of cooking.

Allow the cheese to melt over the hot beef.

5. Toast the Buns

Slice the burger buns in half and place them cut-side down in the pan or on the griddle.

Toast until lightly golden.

Assemble the Pickle Lover’s Beef Burger

Spread a generous spoonful of pickle burger sauce over the bottom bun.

Add lettuce followed by the hot beef patty and melted cheese.

Pile several crunchy dill pickle slices on top of the cheese. Add thinly sliced onion and another spoonful of pickle sauce.

Finish with the toasted top bun.

For serious pickle lovers, serve with a few extra dill pickles on the side.

Tips for the Best Pickle Beef Burger

Choose crunchy pickles. Crisp dill pickles provide a satisfying contrast to the juicy beef and melted cheese.

Don’t skip the pickle juice. A small amount gives the burger sauce an extra tangy kick.

Use beef with some fat. Ground beef containing around 15–20% fat helps produce a juicy, flavourful burger.

Toast the buns. Toasting adds flavour and helps prevent the pickle sauce from making the bun soggy.

Add the pickles at the end. Keeping them away from the cooking heat preserves their fresh, crunchy texture.

What to Serve With a Pickle Lover’s Burger

Serve your burger with crispy French fries, potato wedges, onion rings, coleslaw or extra dill pickles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pickles are best for beef burgers?

Crunchy dill pickle slices are an excellent choice because their sharp, tangy flavour balances the richness of beef and cheese.

Can I add even more pickle flavour?

Yes. Add extra chopped pickles to the sauce or increase the number of pickle slices inside the burger.

What cheese goes well with pickles?

Cheddar and American-style cheese both work particularly well. Their creamy flavour complements the acidity of dill pickles.

Can I make the pickle sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce ahead, cover it and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the burgers.

Can I make this burger spicy?

Yes. Add sliced jalapeños, chilli sauce or a little hot sauce to the pickle burger sauce.

More Homemade Beef Burgers

Discover more beef burger recipes on Nurtosh, including classic cheeseburgers, smash burgers, avocado burgers and other homemade favourites.