Making mouthwatering BBQ burgers at home is easier than you think. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create juicy, flavorful burgers with a tangy barbecue sauce kick. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting meats and seasoning to grilling and serving. Follow our tips and tricks for barbecue burgers everyone will love.
Ingredients
The ingredients below are the basics you’ll need. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices, cheeses, vegetables, etc.
- Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Buns
- Cheese slices (cheddar, American, etc.)
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles
- BBQ sauce
- Burger seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, etc.
Ground Beef
- Use 80% lean / 20% fat ground beef for juicy, flavorful burgers
- Handling the beef less produces a more tender burger
- Gently form patties slightly larger than the bun so they don’t shrink while cooking
Buns
- Brioche, potato, or sesame seed buns work well
- Toast lightly on the grill for texture and flavor
Cheese
- Cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, pepper jack, etc.
- Cheese helps keep the patty moist and adds delicious flavor
- Place on burgers 1-2 minutes before finishing cooking
Produce
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles add freshness and crunch
- Slice produce thinly so it’s easy to eat
BBQ Sauce
- Sweet, tangy BBQ sauce compliments beef
- Slather on the top bun or serve on the side for dipping
Seasoning the Beef
Seasoning is key for flavorful barbecue burgers.
- Form patties gently without over-working the meat
- Create a seasoning station with dishes of desired spices
- Coat both sides of patties with:
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Other favorite spices
- Avoid adding breadcrumbs or eggs which make burgers dense
- Refrigerate seasoned patties 30-60 mins to let flavors meld
Why Season?
- Draws out the natural flavors in the beef
- Adds depth of flavor
- Enhances the barbecue taste
Cooking Methods
Grilling makes the most authentic barbecue burgers, but you can also pan-fry or broil them.
Grilling
- Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat
- Grill patties 4-5 minutes per side
- Add cheese 1-2 mins before removing
- Avoid pressing burgers, which squeezes out juices
Pan-Frying
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat
- Add touch of oil or butter
- Cook patties 4-5 mins per side
- Flip only once for best results
Broiling
- Preheat broiler
- Place patties on broiling pan or sheet
- Broil 4-5 inches from heat for 6-8 minutes total, flipping once
Doneness Temps
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium-Well: 150°F
- Well Done: 155°F+
Building the Perfect Burger
Construct your barbecue burgers for maximum satisfaction.
- Lightly toast buns on grill or in skillet
- Add desired toppings to bottom bun
- Place patty on top
- Spread bbq sauce across patty
- Crown with top bun
- Insert toothpicks to keep burgers together (optional)
Topping Ideas
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles
- Sliced peppers
- Avocado
- Bacon
- Fried egg
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Coleslaw
Serving Suggestions
Bring your barbecue burgers to life with tasty sides and beverages.
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Tater tots
- Onion rings
- Corn on the cob
- Pasta salad
- Potato salad
- Chips
- Fruit salad
- Beer or soda
Set out condiments so guests can customize their burgers.
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Hot sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Burger relish
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about making great barbecue burgers:
What’s the best beef blend for burgers?
80% lean / 20% fat ground beef offers the ideal juiciness and flavor. Avoid burgers that are too lean, which end up dry and bland.
Should you press down on burgers while cooking?
No. Pressing squeezes out the flavorful juices, leading to a drier burger. Let them cook undisturbed for maximum juiciness.
How do you know when they’re fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Medium burgers register 140-145°F at the center. Burgers should not have any pinkness.
Why do my burgers fall apart on the grill?
Burgers fall apart when the meat is overworked or too loosely formed. Gently form cohesive patties without over-mixing. Refrigerate before grilling so patties firm up.
What cheese is best on barbecue burgers?
Cheddar provides classic flavor. Pepper jack or Colby jack add spicy kick. Blue cheese gives a bold, tangy taste. Use your personal favorite for melted perfection.
What toppings go best with BBQ burgers?
Tangy pickles, sweet caramelized onions, crunchy lettuce and tomato, and peppery arugula all complement the barbecue flavor. Bacon and avocado offer delicious richness. Get creative with toppings!
Conclusion
Barbecue burgers are a backyard grilling favorite for good reason. They come together easily and satisfy any burger craving with their juicy, smoky flavor. Use high quality ingredients, properly season, and master cooking techniques for amazing results. Top with cheese, lettuce, pickles, and lashings of BBQ sauce on a toasted bun for burger perfection. Serve with hot-off-the-grill sides and icy cold drinks for a fun barbecue feast. With our guidance, you can become the master of incredible homemade barbecue burgers all summer long. Happy grilling!