Grilled BBQ Burger

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled BBQ Burgers are juicy, smoky, and packed with bold, tangy flavor. Brushed with your favorite barbecue sauce and stacked with classic toppings, these burgers are a summer grilling staple. Perfect for backyard cookouts, game days, or weeknight dinners, they deliver a mouthwatering bite every time.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)saltblack peppergarlic powderonion powderburger bunscheddar cheese slicesred onion (sliced)tomato (sliced)lettucepicklesbutter (for toasting buns)

directions

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Form into equal-sized patties, slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage.

Grill patties for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.

Add cheese slices and cover grill for 30 seconds to melt.

Butter the insides of the buns and toast on the grill until golden.

Assemble burgers by placing lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and the BBQ-glazed patty on the bun.

Top with additional BBQ sauce and the top bun.

Serve hot with extra sauce or your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 burgers.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Grilling time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add crispy bacon or onion rings for extra crunch.
Mix BBQ sauce into the beef for deeper flavor.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda.

storage/reheating

Store cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Freeze uncooked or cooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking or reheating.

FAQs

What’s the best meat for burgers?
80/20 ground beef provides the right balance of fat and flavor.

Can I cook these on a stovetop?
Yes, use a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Should I mix BBQ sauce into the meat?
You can, but brushing it on during grilling gives a nice glaze without altering the texture.

Can I make them spicy?
Add jalapeños, spicy BBQ sauce, or pepper jack cheese.

What buns work best?
Brioche, potato, or sesame seed buns hold up well and taste great.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling.

Can I use a grill press?
Avoid pressing burgers to retain juices—flip gently and cook evenly.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but smoked gouda, provolone, or blue cheese are great too.

How do I keep them from falling apart?
Don’t overwork the meat and chill patties for 10–15 minutes before grilling.

Can I add veggies into the meat?
Yes, finely chopped onions or peppers can be mixed in for added flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled BBQ Burgers are a delicious way to bring bold, smoky flavor to your table with minimal effort. With juicy patties, melty cheese, and tangy barbecue glaze, they’re a satisfying meal that never goes out of style. Fire up the grill and enjoy a bite of classic comfort.

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