How to Freeze Hamburger Patties
Freeze now, grill later! Learn how to freeze hamburger patties for quick, delicious meals anytime—perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu barbecues.

We love to make our own hamburger patties and find that freezing them is the best and easiest way to preserve them for future use. With frozen burgers on hand, I’m always prepared for backyard barbecues and special events!
After all, who doesn’t love a good burger?
Whether you’re prepping for a last-minute barbecue or just planning ahead for quick dinners, knowing how to freeze your own homemade burger patties is a total game-changer. It only takes a few simple steps and future-you will thank you, trust me!
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Let’s Talk Burgers
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and the family’s hungry. Instead of scrambling for dinner ideas, you reach into your freezer, grab perfectly prepped hamburger patties, and whip up a meal in no time. Sounds good, right? That’s the beauty of having your freezer stocked with ready-to-go patties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade hamburger patties are the secret to juicy burgers packed with flavor. Freezing them properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious, giving you a head start on a meal any day of the week. Whether it’s beef patties, turkey burgers, or even veggie burgers, this simple method keeps them freezer-ready for up to three months without compromising taste or texture.
More Hamburger Recipes
- Hamburger Seasoning
- The Best Hamburger Patty Recipe
- Chimichurri Burger Recipe
- How to Bake Hamburgers
- Breakfast Burger Recipe
- Smoked Burger Recipe
- Mushroom Swiss Burgers
- BBQ Hamburger Recipe
- Skillet Hamburgers
- Bacon Wrapped Burgers
- How to Freeze Hamburger Patties
Be sure to check out these 20+ Must Try Hamburger Recipes too!

How to Freeze Hamburger Patties
This post contains affiliate links.
Supplies
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Airtight container or freezer bags

Ingredients
- Hamburger patties – This recipe for homemade hamburger patties is the one we use all the time. It contains simple ingredients that are easily found at any grocery store and the burgers are delicious!
Instructions
1. Cut or tear parchment paper or wax paper into 4″ squares.

2. Make this recipe for homemade hamburger patties.
Tip: Use a kitchen scale to weigh balls of the ground beef mixture to ensure that the patties are about the same size.

3. Form the beef into patties. A hamburger press works great for this.

4. Place patties onto individual pieces of parchment paper.

5. Stack the patties, making sure to have a layer of parchment or wax paper between each one.
6. Place your burger stack into a freezer bag or airtight container, pressing out as much air as possible.

7. Store them flat in your freezer for up to three months.

How To Defrost Hamburgers
For best results, keep the patties in their freezer-safe storage containers and place into cold water to defrost. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour.
Once the raw meat has defrosted, cook in a single layer in a skillet on medium-high heat, a baking sheet in the oven for 25 mins at 350°F, or on the gas grill for about 10 minutes.

Tips and Tricks
- Keep seasoning to a minimum if freezing raw patties; add extras like BBQ sauce or crispy bacon after cooking for max flavor.
- Make sure to press the air out of your freezer bags to prevent ice crystals from forming on the patties.
- Freeze patties in a single layer before stacking to maintain their shape.
- Place a second layer of freezer paper over top of the patties to help prevent freezer burn.
- Add a label to your containers. Note the date and type of burger (e.g., turkey burgers) for easy meal planning.
- Leftover hamburgers may be stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge. You can microwave the hamburger patties to reheat them for later.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook hamburger patties from frozen?
Yes! Frozen burgers may be baked in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or grilled over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
How do you defrost hamburger patties?
For best results, defrost in cold water while still sealed in their freezer bags. They’ll be ready in 30 minutes to an hour.
How long do frozen hamburger patties last?
Properly stored frozen patties can maintain their quality for up to three months.
Can I freeze cooked hamburger patties?
Absolutely! Cooked or smoked burgers can be stored frozen in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or air fryer basket for a quick, satisfying meal.
What’s the best way to avoid freezer burn?
Always use airtight containers or freezer bags and keep the air out. Double-wrapping with plastic wrap and aluminum foil also offers extra protection.

How Long Do You Cook Frozen Hamburgers?
- Hamburgers can be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 5 hours or low for 7-9 hours.
- Patties may be placed in an air fryer basket and cooked for 9-11 minutes at 350°F.
- Hamburger patties can be cooked on a charcoal grill grate for 12-15 minutes.
- Smoked hamburgers take 2 hours to cook when smoked at 165°F.
- Baked hamburgers in the oven take about 25 minutes at 400°F.

Once the burgers are cooked, grab a bun, and load it up with your favorite toppings. These are some great options that my family enjoys. So yummy!
Hamburger Toppings Ideas
- BBQ Sauce
- Ketchup, mustard, mayo, and relish
- Cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese
- Skillet mushrooms
- Red onion, sliced tomato, and lettuce
- Crispy bacon

Enjoy the convenience of perfectly frozen patties that make meal prep a breeze. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a busy weekday dinner, you can make perfectly delicious burgers anytime!
If you found this post on how to freeze hamburger patties helpful, please give it a five-star review and help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest so that others can enjoy it too!

How to Freeze Hamburger Patties
Ingredients
- 12 hamburger patties This recipe for homemade hamburger patties is the one we use all the time.
Instructions
- Cut or tear parchment paper or wax paper into 4" squares.
- Make our homemade hamburger patties recipe.
- Form the beef into patties.
- Place each hamburger pattie onto a piece of parchment paper.
- Stack the patties, making sure to have a layer of wax paper between each one.
- Place the patties into an air-tight container to freeze.
- Put the container in the freezer and freeze for up to three months.