Print

Cowboy Burgers Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 59 reviews

These hearty Cowboy Burgers pile juicy, smoky-seasoned beef patties and melted sharp cheddar onto buttery brioche buns, then finish them with tangy BBQ sauce, crispy onion strings, and pickled jalapeños. Cook them in a skillet or on the grill for a crowd-pleasing burger ready in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

For the burgers

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche hamburger buns
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter

For assembling

  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup crispy onion strings or crispy French-fried onions
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat the cooking surface.

    For stovetop cooking, heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed grill pan over medium-high heat. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high, about 400°F.

  2. Shape the patties.

    Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape each into a patty about ½ inch wider than a bun. Press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty to help it cook evenly and resist shrinking.

  3. Season the beef.

    Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then season both sides of each patty with the mixture.

  4. Butter and toast the buns.

    Spread the softened butter over the cut sides of the buns. Toast them cut-side down in the hot skillet until golden, or on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside.

  5. Cook the burgers.

    For the skillet method, cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes without pressing on them, then flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. For the grill method, grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Cook until the centers reach at least 160°F.

  6. Melt the cheese.

    During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or close the grill lid until the cheese melts.

  7. Assemble and serve.

    Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns and place a cheeseburger on each. Spoon BBQ sauce over the patties, then add crispy onion strings and pickled jalapeños. Finish with the bun tops and serve.

Notes

  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the burgers reach 160°F in the center.
  • Avoid pressing the patties while they cook so they stay juicy.
  • For a milder burger, reduce or omit the pickled jalapeños.
  • The skillet and grill are alternative cooking options; use whichever is most convenient.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/cowboy-burgers-recipe/