Easy Grilled Cola Burgers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These burgers stand out with their unexpected yet delicious cola marinade, which adds depth and caramelized flavor to each bite. They’re incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients and deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard BBQ, a casual weeknight dinner, or a summer gathering, these burgers are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
cola (regular, not diet)
ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
hamburger buns
cheese slices (optional)
lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions (optional toppings)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ¼ cup cola, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix the ingredients together without overworking the meat.
3. Shape the mixture into burger patties.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly.
5. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
6. During the last minute of grilling, add cheese slices if using and toast the buns on the grill.
7. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 burgers.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Cola Burgers: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or chipotle powder to the mix for heat.
• Turkey or Chicken Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• BBQ Twist: Mix in a bit of BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor boost.
• Stuffed Burgers: Add a cube of cheese in the center of each patty before grilling for a gooey surprise.
• Sweet & Savory: Top with caramelized onions or grilled pineapple slices for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. To keep them juicy, add a splash of water and cover when microwaving.

FAQs

What does cola do to burgers?

Cola tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle sweetness and caramelized flavor to the burgers.

Can I use diet cola?

It’s best to use regular cola, as diet versions don’t have the same sugar content needed for flavor and caramelization.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the patties in advance and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Can I cook these on a stovetop?

Absolutely. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.

What toppings go well with cola burgers?

Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and cheese work well. You can also try BBQ sauce, grilled pineapple, or onion rings.

Can I freeze cola burger patties?

Yes, freeze uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.

How do I keep burgers from falling apart on the grill?

Avoid overmixing the meat and make sure the grill is properly preheated and oiled. You can also chill patties briefly before grilling.

What’s the best beef to use?

Ground chuck (80/20) is ideal for juicy burgers with great flavor and enough fat to hold together.

Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, though Worcestershire adds depth. If needed, you can substitute with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Do I need to marinate the meat?

No long marinating is required—just mixing in the cola is enough to infuse flavor and moisture into the patties.

Conclusion

Easy Grilled Cola Burgers bring a sweet and savory twist to your favorite backyard classic. With their juicy texture and delicious caramelized flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for summer grilling and casual meals. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, these burgers deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.

Easy Grilled Cola Burgers

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Easy Grilled Cola Burgers are juicy, flavorful patties made with a sweet and savory cola-infused mix, perfect for a fun twist on the classic backyard burger.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Makes 4 burgers
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup cola (regular, not diet)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 cheese slices (optional)
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions (optional toppings)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cola, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
3. Shape the mixture into 4 equal burger patties.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly.
5. Grill patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
6. During the last minute of cooking, add cheese slices if using and toast the hamburger buns on the grill.
7. Assemble burgers with desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use ground chuck (80/20) for juicy burgers.
• Do not use diet cola—regular cola adds sweetness and caramelization.
• Patties can be shaped ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.
• Chill patties before grilling to help them hold their shape.
• Can be cooked on stovetop if grill is unavailable.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and toppings
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg