Black N Blue Beef Burger Recipe

Mix and Form

Place ground beef in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Gently combine with your hands or a spoon until just combined; avoid overworking the meat. Divide mixture into two equal portions and form into 2 patties about 3/4-inch thick, slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink while cooking). Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb to promote even cooking.

Chill (optional)

If time allows, refrigerate the formed patties for 15–30 minutes to help them hold together when cooking.

Combine smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme and 1/2 tsp kosher salt in a small bowl. Pat both sides of each patty lightly with the seasoning blend so the exterior is evenly coated. Do not press seasoning into the meat — a light dusting is enough.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp hot sauce, 1/4 tsp black pepper and a pinch (1/8 tsp) salt until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate while you cook the patties to let flavors meld.

Preheat Skillet

Place a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp neutral oil. Heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke lightly, about 2–3 minutes.

Cook Patties

Carefully add the seasoned patties to the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Cook without pressing for 3–4 minutes until a dark crust forms on the bottom. Flip once and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature ~145–150°F / 63–66°C). If you prefer the blue cheese more melted and inside the patty to be slightly looser, cook to 140–145°F. For well-done, cook longer. Avoid pressing the patties to retain juices.

Toast Buns

While patties finish, spread softened butter on cut faces of the brioche buns. Place them butter-side down in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Rest Patties

Remove patties from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 2 minutes to redistribute juices.

Assemble Burgers

Spread about half of the black & blue sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce (to act as a moisture barrier), then set the patty on top. Add 2 tomato slices, sprinkle 1/8 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1 tbsp pickled jalapeños over the patty. Spoon the remaining sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Repeat for second burger.

Serve the Black N Blue Beef Burger immediately while hot with fries or a simple salad. Provide extra blue cheese sauce and pickled jalapeños on the side if desired.