Cowboy Burger Recipe

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form two 3/4-inch-thick patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking. Do not overwork the meat.

Season

Brush or rub both sides of each patty with Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on both sides.

Preheat grill or pan

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) or heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan just before adding patties.

Cook patties

Place patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving, until a browned crust forms. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust time +/- for desired doneness). In the last 1 minute of cooking, top one patty with 1 slice American cheese and the other with 1 slice Swiss cheese (or place both cheeses on the same patty if serving one burger). Cover with a lid or tent with foil briefly to melt cheese.

Prepare vegetables

Peel and slice the yellow onion into 1/4-inch rings or half-moons. Clean mushrooms with a damp towel and slice them 1/4 inch thick.

Caramelize onions & sauté mushrooms

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté 6-8 minutes until soft and starting to caramelize. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar over the onions (optional) and continue cooking 3-5 minutes until deeper golden, stirring occasionally. Push onions to one side of the pan, add the sliced mushrooms, and increase heat slightly. Cook mushrooms 4-6 minutes until they release liquid and it evaporates. Stir onions and mushrooms together, add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook 1-2 more minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Toast buns

While patties or vegetables finish cooking, spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Place them butter-side down on a hot griddle, skillet, or grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

Assemble burgers

Place lettuce (if using) on the bottom bun, then the cheesed patty (or patties). Top the patty with a generous portion of the grilled onions and mushrooms. Add tomato and pickles if desired. Spread the sauce (mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard) on the top bun and place on the burger. Serve immediately.

In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, and 1 teaspoon mustard. Mix until smooth and spread on buns as desired.