If you love burgers, then you’re in for a real treat with this Traeger Smoked Burgers recipe. These burgers are crafted with a slow-smoking method that infuses them with incredible smoky flavors. They are then seared to perfection for a crispy, golden-brown crust, locking in all the juiciness. Whether you’re grilling for a weekend BBQ, a game day party, or just a satisfying dinner, these burgers are sure to be a hit. With a few simple steps, you can create a gourmet experience in the comfort of your backyard!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich, Smoky Flavor: The slow smoking process on the Traeger infuses the beef with that irresistible wood-fired smokiness.
Juicy & Tender: Cooking the burgers low and slow ensures they remain moist and tender throughout.
Effortless Prep: Minimal prep time is needed, and once the patties are formed, it’s mostly hands-off.
Perfect Crispy Crust: A quick sear at high heat gives each burger a crispy outer layer that contrasts perfectly with the tender inside.
Customizable: You can personalize your smoked burgers with a variety of toppings, sauces, and cheeses to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for the best juiciness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For Assembly:
- 4-6 burger buns (brioche, potato, or sesame buns work well)
- 4-6 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss)
- Fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and onions (optional)
- Burger sauce or condiments of choice (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Traeger
Set your Traeger smoker to 225°F and use hickory, mesquite, or oak pellets for the most intense smoky flavor. Allow the grill to preheat with the lid closed for about 15 minutes, giving it time to reach the desired temperature.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat. Once the ingredients are fully incorporated, divide the meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about ½ to ¾-inch thick. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
3. Smoke the Burgers
Place the patties directly onto the grill grates of the preheated Traeger smoker. Close the lid and smoke the burgers at 225°F for 60-90 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. If you prefer your burgers medium or well-done, continue smoking until the temperature hits 140°F or 160°F, respectively.
4. Sear the Burgers for a Crispy Finish
Once your burgers have smoked to the desired internal temperature, increase the Traeger’s temperature to 450°F. Sear the patties on both sides for 1-2 minutes each, adding cheese during the last minute of cooking. This high heat creates a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside of the burgers while keeping the inside juicy. Remove the burgers once they reach your preferred level of doneness. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. Toast the Buns & Assemble
While the burgers are searing, butter the burger buns lightly and toast them on the grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown. This adds a delicious crunch and extra flavor to your burger buns.
Assemble your burgers by placing the patty on the bottom half of the toasted bun. Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and your favorite condiments (such as ketchup, mustard, or mayo). Top with the other half of the bun.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Once the burgers are assembled, serve them immediately with your favorite sides. These Traeger smoked burgers pair wonderfully with French fries, onion rings, grilled vegetables, or even a crisp side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Smoke Time: 60-90 minutes
- Sear Time: 2-3 minutes
- Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Variations to Try
Spicy Smoked Burgers – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
BBQ Bourbon Burgers – Glaze your burgers with BBQ sauce during the final sear for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Mushroom Swiss Burgers – Top your smoked burgers with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese for a rich, savory taste.
Cheese Lovers’ Burger – Layer multiple types of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, and American) for a melty, flavorful burger.
Keto & Low-Carb Version – Serve the patties in lettuce wraps instead of buns for a healthier, low-carb alternative.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Leftover smoked burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Traeger: Reheat on the smoker at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
- Skillet: Heat over medium-low for 3-5 minutes per side until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, although this method might affect the texture.
Freezing: You can freeze both cooked and raw patties. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw them before reheating or cooking.
Traeger Smoked Burgers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20) for best juiciness
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4-6 pieces burger buns (brioche, potato, or sesame)
- 4-6 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss)
- 1 leaf lettuce optional
- 1 slice tomato optional
- 1 slice pickle optional
- 1 slice onion optional
- 1 tbsp burger sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger smoker to 225°F using hickory, mesquite, or oak pellets.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into 4-6 patties about ½ to ¾-inch thick.
- Place the patties directly on the Traeger grates and smoke at 225°F for 60-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- Increase the grill temperature to 450°F. Sear the burgers for 1-2 minutes per side. Add cheese during the last minute.
- Butter the buns and toast them on the grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and condiments of your choice.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like fries, coleslaw, or grilled veggies.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wood for smoking burgers?
For the best flavor, use hickory, mesquite, or oak pellets. These woods add a bold, smoky flavor to the beef. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try cherry or applewood.
Do I need to flip the burgers while smoking?
No, you do not need to flip the burgers while smoking on the Traeger. The indirect heat will cook them evenly. Only flip them when you’re searing them at the higher temperature.
How can I make my burgers juicier?
Use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20, and avoid overworking the meat when forming the patties. Let the burgers rest after cooking to help retain their juices.
Can I skip the smoking step and cook the burgers directly at a high temperature?
You can grill the burgers directly over high heat at 450°F for 4-5 minutes per side. However, smoking imparts a deeper, richer flavor, so we recommend giving it a try if you have the time.
Can I use frozen beef for the burgers?
Fresh ground beef will give the best texture, but if using frozen beef, ensure that it is fully thawed before forming the patties and smoking.
How do I prevent dry burgers?
To avoid dry burgers, don’t press down on the patties while cooking, and don’t overcook them past 160°F. Rest the burgers after cooking to help redistribute the juices inside.
Can I add wood chips instead of pellets?
Yes, if you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, you can add soaked wood chips in a smoker box for similar wood-fired results.
Can I make smash burgers on the Traeger?
While the Traeger is great for smoking and grilling, it’s not ideal for making smash burgers. However, you can sear them on a hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy crust.
What sides pair well with smoked burgers?
Smoked burgers are fantastic with sides like French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh side salad.
Can I smoke turkey or plant-based burgers?
Yes! You can use the same method for turkey or plant-based patties, though you may need to adjust the cooking times since these types of burgers are leaner than beef.
Conclusion
These Traeger Smoked Burgers take backyard grilling to a whole new level. With their smoky, juicy, and flavorful profile, they will definitely be the star of your next cookout. Whether you prefer them classic with a slice of cheese and some fresh toppings or you want to get creative with different flavor profiles, this recipe has you covered. Fire up your Traeger, and let’s make the best burgers you’ve ever had!
