Bbq Burger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until combined — do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and form each into a patty about 3/4" to 1" thick, slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Let the patties rest at room temperature while you preheat your grill or skillet (10–15 minutes).

Preheat

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F / 200–230°C). If using a cast-iron skillet or grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.

Cook patties

Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing down. Flip once and cook 2–3 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness).

Glaze with BBQ sauce and add cheese

In the final 60–90 seconds of cooking, brush about half of the BBQ sauce onto the top of each patty. Immediately place a slice of cheddar on each patty, close the grill lid or cover the skillet to melt the cheese and let the sauce glaze (about 30–60 seconds). Remove patties and tent with foil while you prepare buns.

If you like a caramelized sauce exterior, flip patties once more briefly (10–15 seconds) over direct heat after glazing to set the sauce, but watch closely to avoid burning the sugars in the BBQ sauce.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the buns with the tablespoon of butter. Place them butter-side down on the grill or skillet for 30–60 seconds until golden and toasted. Remove and set aside.

Assemble burgers

Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1/2 teaspoon mustard on the bottom bun (divide between two buns). Place a lettuce leaf on each bottom bun, add a sauced cheeseburger patty, then top with 2 tomato slices, 2 pickle slices, and a few rings of red onion. Spread remaining mayonnaise on the top bun if desired and close the burger.

Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.