Bronco Burger Recipe

Make the sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust salt or hot sauce to preference. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the burger so flavors meld (min 10 minutes).

Season and portion

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until combined — avoid overworking. Divide the meat into 2 equal portions (about 10 oz / 280 g each).

Form patties

Lightly form each portion into a patty roughly 4–4½ inches wide and about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to minimize doming as they cook.

Preheat pan or grill

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat (or preheat grill to medium-high, about 400°F / 200°C). Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil or butter to the pan and let it shimmer but not smoke.

Cook patties

Place patties in the hot pan (or on the grill) leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook the second side 3–4 minutes for medium (adjust time ±1 minute for desired doneness). During the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan (or close the grill lid) to melt the cheese.

Rest patties

Transfer patties to a plate and let rest for 3–5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute and prevents the bun from going soggy.

Toast buns

While patties rest, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast them in a skillet or on the grill, cut-side down, over medium heat until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes.

Build the Bronco Burger

Spread about 2 tablespoons of Bronco sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place 1 lettuce leaf on the sauce to act as a moisture barrier. Add the cheesy burger patty, then top with tomato slices, red onion, and pickles. Spoon another 1 tablespoon of sauce on the top bun and set it on the assembled burger.

Serve

Serve immediately while hot with your choice of sides (fries, onion rings, or a simple salad).