Most burgers pass as dinner, but these are the kind that actually make you want to fire up the grill on a random Tuesday and get excited to eat. They go beyond the usual stuff and make dinner something to look forward to again. If you’re tired of phoning it in with grilled dinners, these burgers are the answer.
BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
These burgers use beets to keep things juicy and add a little color without changing the flavor too much. Topped with goat cheese and avocado, they’re great if you want something a bit different but still hearty enough to hit the grill.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
Blueberry BBQ Brie Burger
This one leans into contrast in the best way. You get sweet sauce, rich brie, and crisp bacon all working together. It’s perfect for nights when you want something bold without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry BBQ Brie Burger
Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
Cauliflower holds its shape surprisingly well in these patties, and the cheddar gives them some real flavor. With pickled cabbage and fresh pesto on top, this is a solid meatless option that doesn’t feel like a downgrade.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
Elk Burgers
Elk has a deeper flavor than beef but still cooks up fast and juicy. A few pantry spices are all it needs. If you’re looking to change things up without a long grocery list, this is a great one to try.
Get the Recipe: Elk Burgers
Bison Burgers
Bison makes a leaner burger that still holds its own on the grill. It cooks evenly and pairs well with any classic toppings. If you’re stuck in a beef rut, this is a simple upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Bison Burgers
Grilled Halloumi Burgers
This burger stacks grilled lamb with salty halloumi, grilled onions, and tomato pesto. It’s packed with flavor and comes together without much effort, making it perfect when you want something different but still easy to cook.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Burgers
Indian Chicken Burgers
Ground chicken gets seasoned with warm spices and stays juicy on the grill. A quick yogurt cucumber slaw cools it all down. It’s a great option when beef feels too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Burgers
Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
Chickpeas give these burgers a crisp bite and the bacon takes care of the flavor. They’re easy to prep, quick to cook, and hold up well whether you’re feeding one or a whole crew.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
Turkey Burger Sliders
These sliders are easy to shape, fast to grill, and great for sharing. They’ve got that classic feel but with a little more flexibility if you’re cooking for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders
Bacon Blue Cheese Burger with Roasted Garlic Aioli
This burger leans into bold flavors without making it complicated. The garlic aioli, bacon jam, and blue cheese all bring something big to the plate. It’s a great way to shake up your usual burger night.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Blue Cheese Burger with Roasted Garlic Aioli
Feta Lamb Burgers & Lemon Mint Aioli
These lamb burgers stay juicy on the grill and get a fresh boost from a simple lemon mint aioli. The feta adds salt and texture, and everything comes together in under half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Feta Lamb Burgers & Lemon Mint Aioli
Venison Burgers
These burgers are a smart way to use ground venison without drying it out. The flavor is clean and rich, and they cook fast with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Venison Burgers
Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun
Buffalo meat and gorgonzola bring strong flavor, and the pretzel bun holds it all in place. It’s a fun way to change things up without going too far off track.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun
Juicy Chicken Burgers
These chicken patties stay tender on the grill and are topped with creamy avocado and beet hummus. They’re a lighter option that still feels like a real burger.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Chicken Burgers
Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger
This burger goes big with Wagyu beef, wasabi mayo, melted gruyere, and caramelized onions. It’s rich, fast to make, and feels like something you’d usually order at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger
Bacon Egg Brooklyn Burger
This one stacks bacon, a fried egg, and cheese on a burger for a combo that always works. It’s quick to build and hits hard every time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Brooklyn Burger
Easy Mediterranean Hamburgers
These burgers bring in feta, roasted red pepper, and arugula without making things complicated. Great if you want something fresh that still works on a grill.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mediterranean Hamburgers
Easy Greek Burger
A beef patty topped with tzatziki, tomato, red onion, and lettuce keeps this burger simple but different enough to be interesting. Everything is easy to prep and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Greek Burger
Grilled Onion Bacon Cheddar Burger
Thick patties with bacon and melted cheddar get topped with Coca-Cola caramelized onions. It’s got that sweet-savory balance without needing extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Onion Bacon Cheddar Burger
Elvis Burger
This burger leans hard into flavor with peanut butter, bacon, and caramelized bananas. It’s rich, a little messy, and worth making at least once.
Get the Recipe: Elvis Burger
Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers
These burgers use homemade pimento cheese for a creamy, sharp topping that melts right into the beef. They cook fast and bring a lot of flavor with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers
Quadruple Smash Burger
Four thin, crispy patties stacked high make this one stand out. It’s all about the sear and the stack, and it’s great if you want something big without overcomplicating anything.
Get the Recipe: Quadruple Smash Burger
Smoked Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar Cheese
Smoking these burgers adds depth fast, and the combo of onions and cheddar seals the deal. Once you try it, you’ll probably make it again.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar Cheese
Juicy Ground Venison Burgers
This method keeps venison burgers from drying out and helps them cook evenly on the grill. They’re a great way to branch out without needing much extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Ground Venison Burgers
Bulgogi Burger with Quick Pickled Cabbage and Gochujang Mayo
Ground beef gets flavored like bulgogi and topped with tangy cabbage and spicy mayo. It’s easy to throw together and full of bold, sharp flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bulgogi Burger with Quick Pickled Cabbage and Gochujang Mayo
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
