**This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

There’s something special about old fashioned skillet hamburgers with oats. They are simple, hearty, comforting, and packed with so much flavor. These homemade hamburgers have been a staple in my family for years thanks to my mother-in-law. She has made these skillet burgers for us more times than I can count, and they quickly became my favorite recipe for homemade burgers.

The first time she told me the secret ingredient was old fashioned oats, I was honestly surprised. But after one bite, I understood exactly why she made them this way. The oats help create juicy burger patties with tender texture, crispy edges, and a lot of flavor. I was thrilled when she finally taught me how to make them myself because they truly are the best burgers.

If you love old-school hamburger recipes made with simple ingredients, this easy recipe is one you need to save for next time.

Why Add Oats to Hamburger Meat?

Years ago, adding old fashioned oats to hamburger patties was a very common cooking method. It helped stretch the meat further, making it the perfect solution for feeding large families on a budget. But honestly, the oats do so much more than that.

The oats soak up moisture and help keep the meat tender while cooking low and slow in a cast iron skillet. The result is flavorful burgers that stay juicy instead of drying out.

Unlike bread crumbs, oats blend beautifully into the meat mixture without overpowering the flavor. They create restaurant-style burgers with an old fashioned touch.

Why We Love These Skillet Burgers

Made with simple ingredients
Full of rich flavor
Crispy edges from the cast-iron pan
Great for weeknight dinners
Easy way to make homemade hamburgers
Family friendly
Perfect with fresh toppings

These burgers are hands down my favorite hamburger recipe.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Skillet Hamburgers with Oats

1 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup water
2 pounds regular ground beef or lean ground beef
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter

Optional Favorite Ingredients and Toppings

You can customize these homemade burgers with your favorite toppings and favorite ingredients.

Some of our favorite ways to serve them include:

White onion
Fresh garlic
Lettuce
Tomato
Pickles
Cheese
Maple syrup bacon
Homemade mayo
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder

Fresh toppings make every tasty burger even better.

Equipment Needed

Large bowl
Small bowl
Cast iron skillet or cast-iron pan
Meat thermometer
Spatula

How to Make Old Fashioned Skillet Hamburgers with Oats

Moisten the Oats

In a small bowl, combine the old fashioned oats and water. Stir well. You want the oats moist but not mushy.

This small step helps the oats blend perfectly into the meat mixture.

Hamburger meat in a large bowl sitting next to a smaller bowl of old fashioned oats

Prepare the Hamburger Meat

In a large bowl, place the hamburger meat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Add the moistened oats to the meat and mix until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing because it can make the hamburger patties tough.

adding old fashioned oats to fresh ground beef

Form the Patties

Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and form into 8 hamburger patties.

If needed, place patties on wax paper while preparing the skillet.

Cook the Burgers

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely in the hot skillet.

Place patties into the skillet and cook low and slow for about 7-8 minutes per side. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.

old fashioned hamburgers being cooked low and slow in a cast iron skillet

You want the burgers to develop crispy edges while staying tender and juicy on the inside.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees.

Serve and Enjoy

Place the skillet burgers on buns with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

fresh gouda cheese placed on top of the old fashioned hamburgers on buns

These burgers pair perfectly with fries, potato salad, baked beans, or even roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips for the Best Burgers

Don’t Rush the Cooking Process

One important cooking tip for flavorful burgers is to avoid cooking over medium-high heat. Slow cooking in a cast iron skillet helps the burgers stay juicy and develop amazing flavor.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Checking the internal temperature is the only thing that guarantees perfectly cooked burgers every time.

Don’t Press the Patties

Avoid smashing the burgers while cooking. Unlike smash burgers, these skillet burgers are meant to stay thick, juicy, and tender.

Add Extra Flavor

If you want extra flavor, you can mix in garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.

Can You Cook These in an Air Fryer?

Yes! While I personally think these homemade hamburgers taste best cooked in a cast iron skillet, you can also make them in the air fryer.

Cook at 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Always check the internal temperature before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover hamburger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side or warm them in the microwave for about 3-5 minutes depending on portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Bread Crumbs Instead of Oats?

Yes, but old fashioned oats give these burgers their classic texture and old fashioned flavor.

Can I Use Lean Ground Beef?

Absolutely. Lean ground beef works well, though regular ground beef usually gives a juicier burger.

Can I Add Seasonings?

Of course. Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, fresh garlic, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce are all delicious additions.

Are These Like Veggie Burgers?

Not at all. While oats are commonly used in veggie burgers, these are true beef hamburger patties with oats added for texture and moisture.

Final Thoughts

These old fashioned skillet hamburgers with oats are pure comfort food. They remind me of family dinners gathered around the table and the meals my mother-in-law lovingly cooked for us over the years. Out of all the hamburger recipes I’ve tried, these remain my favorite recipe.

The oats may sound unusual at first, but once you taste these juicy burger patties with their crispy edges and rich flavor, you’ll understand why this old fashioned method has stood the test of time.

Whether you load them up with fresh toppings, serve them with your favorite sides, or keep them simple with just salt and black pepper, these homemade burgers are always a tasty treat.