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Classic Dad’s BBQ Burgers

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A nostalgic and easy homemade BBQ burger recipe featuring juicy beef patties with smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for family gatherings and backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup (120ml) barbecue sauce
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 sturdy, soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Pickles, sliced, as desired
  • Lettuce leaves, fresh, as desired
  • Tomato slices, fresh, as desired
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix just until evenly distributed, about 5 minutes.
  2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form each into a round patty about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help even cooking, about 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash. Clean grates with a grill brush and oil lightly, about 10 minutes.
  4. Spread softened butter on cut sides of buns. Place buns face down on grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  5. Place patties on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side without pressing down. Flip once bottom develops a crust, total about 10 minutes.
  6. During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close grill lid to melt cheese, 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove patties from grill and brush generously with barbecue sauce while hot, about 1 minute.
  8. Assemble burgers by layering bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Place cheesy BBQ burger on top and cap with toasted top bun, about 3 minutes.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep patties tender. Press a shallow dimple in patties to prevent puffing. Keep grill grates clean and oiled to avoid sticking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let burgers rest 3-5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices. Toast buns with butter on grill for best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps; for dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ burgers, classic burger recipe, homemade burgers, backyard BBQ, family gathering food, easy burger recipe, grilled burgers

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/classic-dads-bbq-burgers-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food-for-family-gatherings/