Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375°-400°F). Or if not using a grill, you can cook these on a cast iron skillet on the stove.
In a medium bowl add the ground beef, saltine crackers, milk, egg, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Using your hands, combine the meat mixture until smooth, but don’t overmix as this can create a dense hamburger).
(Note: This will make 6 thick patties, or you can make thinner hamburger patties and portion into 8 meat patties.) Portion the meat into 6 equal sized balls. Flatten the balls into roughly 1” inch thick and about 5” across (you want the patty to be slightly larger than your hamburger buns because the meat will shrink as it cooks. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press into the center of each meat patty, forming a slight depression. This prevents the patty from puffing up when cooking.
Cook the burgers on the grill, covered, for 3-4 minutes, flip then continue cooking until they’re cooked to your desired doneness. You can also toast the buns on the grill (doing so on the cooler side).
To cook on the stove, place a cast iron skillet (or nonstick skillet) over medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet. Once oil is shimmering add the patties to the skillet (may need to work in batches because you don’t want to overcrowd). Cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook for a few more minutes or until your desired doneness is reached.
Serve immediately on toasted hamburger buns topped with your favorite hamburger toppings.