Tulo

Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Blackstone Burgers Recipe

Four thick beef burger patties searing on a flat-top griddle with melted cheese and a meat thermometer inserted into one patty showing the internal temperature.
Photo by Bonus Studio on Pexels

Kirkster Signature ground beef from Costco is usually 80/20, which has enough fat to stay juicy on a hot flat-top without drying out, and cooking on a griddle instead of an open grill keeps all the rendered fat and juices in contact with the patty instead of dripping away. Checking internal temperature with a thermometer rather than guessing by color is what actually confirms the meat is safe, especially with any ground beef bought in bulk.

Prep
15 min
Cook
12 min
Total
27 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

Servings4
  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20), such as Kirkland Signature
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese slices
  • 4 buns hamburger buns

Nutrition per serving

Calories
714
Protein
40g
Carbs
30g
Fat
49g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

Need different units or a different yield? Try our Conversion Calculator →

Instructions

  1. 1Before opening the package, check the sell-by date and, if you have any concern about a recall, compare the lot code on the label against the current USDA FSIS or Costco recall notice.
  2. 2In a large bowl, break up the ground beef gently with your hands and mix in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Handle it as little as possible.
  3. 3Divide into 4 equal portions and form loose, flat patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your buns, since they'll shrink and puff up as they cook.
  4. 4Preheat a Blackstone griddle to medium-high, around 400°F (205°C), and lightly oil the surface.
  5. 5Lay the patties on the griddle and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until a deep crust forms on the bottom.
  6. 6Flip once, top with cheese if using, and cook another 4-5 minutes.
  7. 7Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a patty; it should read 160°F (71°C) before the burgers come off the griddle.USDA safe minimum for ground meat (beef, pork, lamb, veal): 160°F (71°C)
  8. 8Toast the cut sides of the buns on the griddle for 30-60 seconds, then assemble the burgers and serve immediately.
How to Use a Meat Thermometer

Tips & variations

  • Keep raw ground beef refrigerated at 40°F or below and cook or freeze it within 1-2 days of purchase; Costco's bulk packs are often larger than what a household uses in that window.
  • Don't press down on the patties with a spatula while they cook, it squeezes out the juices that keep the burger from drying out.
  • If splitting a large Costco tray into smaller portions for the freezer, wrap each portion tightly and label it with the purchase date so you can track how long it's been stored.

Storage & reheating

Cooked burger patties keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, until they reach 165°F (74°C) again. Raw, uncooked patties can be frozen between layers of parchment for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • Buying the large Costco tray but only needing a few patties? Portion and freeze the rest the same day you get home rather than leaving it in the fridge for days first.
  • A cast-iron griddle plate works as a stand-in for a Blackstone if that's what's on hand; the flat, oil-retaining surface is what matters, not the brand.

FAQ

What should I do if my Costco ground beef matches a recall notice?

Do not cook or taste it. Check the specific lot number, package date, and store location against the recall listed at fsis.usda.gov or costco.com, and return the package to Costco for a refund even without a receipt.

What internal temperature makes ground beef safe to eat?

160°F (71°C) measured with an instant-read thermometer in the center of the patty. Color alone is unreliable since ground beef can look brown before it's fully cooked or pink after it's safe.

Can I still cook ground beef that's past its sell-by date but not part of any recall?

If it's been refrigerated continuously at 40°F or below and doesn't smell off or feel slimy, it's generally fine within 1-2 days past the sell-by date; when in doubt, discard it.

Is it safe to refreeze ground beef after thawing it?

Yes, as long as it was thawed in the refrigerator (not on the counter) and hasn't been sitting out for more than 2 hours; quality may drop slightly but safety isn't affected.

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