How to Make Hamburger BBQ

Barbecued hamburgers are a classic summer treat that can be enjoyed year-round. With juicy patties and flavorful toppings, these burgers are always a crowd-pleaser. Making hamburger bbq at home is easy with a few tips. Read on to learn how to make mouthwatering barbecued hamburgers from start to finish.

Ingredients

To make delicious hamburger bbq, you will need:

• Ground beef: Use 80% lean ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties. Ground chuck or sirloin also work well.
• Hamburger buns: Soft brioche buns or potato rolls work best to hold the juicy patties and toppings.
• Cheese slices: Choose a melting cheese like cheddar, American, or Swiss.
• Lettuce: Crisp lettuce leaves like iceberg or romaine add crunch.
• Tomato slices
• Onion slices: Red onion or sweet onion both add great flavor.
• Pickle slices: Dill pickles are a classic burger topping.
• Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, and mayo complete the burger.
• Hamburger seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder.
• Oil for cooking: Use an oil with high smoke point like vegetable, canola or avocado.
• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite bbq sauce flavor. Sweet and smoky or tangy and spicy.

Equipment Needed

Having the right tools makes cooking hamburger bbq easier:

• Grill or grill pan: An outdoor grill is ideal but a stove-top grill pan also works.
• Spatula: Use a sturdy metal spatula to flip the patties.
• Basting brush: For brushing on bbq sauce.
• Tongs: Helpful for moving patties and buns around.
• Aluminum foil: Keeps cooked hamburgers warm while you finish cooking.
• Bowl: For mixing the ground beef and seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: For adding seasoning to the beef.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures beef is thoroughly cooked.

Prep Steps Before Cooking

Taking a few steps ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth:

Make Patties

• Divide beef into 4-6 evenly sized patties about 4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick.
• Gently shape patties without over-working the meat so they hold together.
• Make a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging as they cook.

Season the Beef

• In a small bowl, combine desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder.
• Lightly season both sides of the patties, using about 1/4 teaspoon per side.
• Avoid over-seasoning which can make the meat tough.

Prep Toppings & Buns

• Wash and slice vegetables. Rinse lettuce and pat dry.
• Slice cheese so it is ready to top the burgers.
• Open burger buns and lightly toast if desired.

How to Cook Hamburger BBQ

Grilling hamburger bbq takes just 10-15 minutes for juicy, flame-kissed burgers:

Cook the Patties

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Use a grill brush to lightly oil the grates.
• Place patties on the grill and cook 4-6 minutes per side.
• Flip only once during cooking for best results.
• Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Add Cheese

• During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, top patties with cheese slices.
• Close grill lid to melt the cheese.

Transfer to Bun

• Place cooked patties on bottom bun.
• Let rest 1-2 minutes before adding toppings so juices absorb into bun.

Add Toppings

• Build your burger by adding desired toppings between patty and top bun:
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Pickles
  • Condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo
• Close up the burger and you’re ready to serve!

Brush on BBQ Sauce

• Generously brush or drizzle your favorite bbq sauce over the top of the cooked patties.
• You can also serve extra bbq sauce on the side for dipping.
• For best flavor, look for a sauce with depth notes like brown sugar, spices, vinegar, or smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips

Use these tips for perfect hamburger bbq every time:

• Resist the urge to press down on patties while they cook which can squeeze out the juices.
• Cook over direct heat only until just done, avoiding charring the outside.
• Preheat grill before cooking and don’t overcrowd patties.
• Let patties rest a minute before building into buns so juices absorb.
• Brush bbq sauce on patties at the end to prevent burning or charring sauce.
• Cook buns lightly to prevent sogginess and warm them on the grill before serving.

Hamburger BBQ FAQs

Get ready to master hamburger bbq with these helpful answers:

What is the best bbq sauce for hamburgers?

Sweet tomato-based sauces pair well with beef. Look for classic flavors like brown sugar and Worcestershire or bolder spices and vinegar for a tangy kick.

Should you put bbq sauce on hamburgers before or after cooking?

Brush on sauce during the last 1-2 minutes to avoid burning or apply after cooking for best flavor.

How do you keep hamburger bbq juicy?

Avoid pressing burgers while cooking. Cook at medium-high heat and flip only once. Let rest before serving. Adding bbq sauce also boosts juiciness.

What is the best cheese for bbq burgers?

Popular melty choices are cheddar, Swiss, American, and pepper jack. Provolone and mozzarella also work well.

How can you keep bbq sauce from dripping off burgers?

Wait until the end and coat the patty lightly. Build burgers with sauce on the bottom bun instead of top. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Do you add any liquid when forming burger patties?

No, adding liquid like egg or oil can prevent patties holding their shape on the grill. Simply use ground beef and seasonings when forming patties.

Hamburger BBQ Variations

Customize your burgers with these fun additions:

• Bacon cheeseburger: Top with crispy bacon and melted cheddar.
• Mushroom Swiss: Sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
• Jalapeño popper: Cream cheese, jalapeños, cheddar.
• BBQ bacon: Candied bacon, cheddar, onion rings.
• Patty melt: Caramelized onions and Swiss on rye bread instead of a bun.
• Brunch burger: Add a fried egg and bacon.
• Hawaiian: Grilled pineapple rings and teriyaki glaze.
• Southwestern: Avocado, pepper jack, roasted green chiles, chipotle mayo.

Best Side Dishes

Serve your juicy bbq burgers with these classic pairings:

• French fries or tater tots
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, onions, peppers
• House salad with ranch dressing
• Chips and guacamole
• Watermelon slices

Conclusion

Sizzling hamburger bbq fresh off the grill is a beloved meal for good reason. By starting with flavorful ground beef, seasoning simply, and brushing on rich barbecue sauce at the end, you can make incredible burgers at home. Vary the toppings to please all tastes or stick with traditional lettuce, tomato, and onion. Pair your juicy patties with classic summer sides and invite family and friends over to enjoy backyard hamburger heaven. With this easy recipe and helpful tips, you can master the art of mouthwatering barbecue hamburgers.