Smokehouse Burger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined; avoid overworking. Divide into two equal portions and form into 3/4- to 1-inch thick patties, slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, spreading to coat. When the pan is hot and shimmering, add the patties. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover briefly (lid or tent foil) to melt the cheese. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to rest for 3 minutes.

While the patties cook, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 8–10 minutes.

Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, minced chipotle and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until jammy and slightly sticky, 4–6 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm until assembly.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, smoky BBQ sauce, minced chipotle, lemon juice and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust for heat or sweetness. Refrigerate or keep chilled until ready to assemble.

Split the buns and spread softened butter on the cut sides. Toast them face-down on the hot skillet or griddle (after removing patties) until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble the burgers: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the smokehouse sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the cheese-topped beef patty. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the smoky BBQ onion jam over the cheese. Add two slices of bacon, tomato slices and pickle slices. Spread another teaspoon of sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately with your choice of sides.