The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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Western BBQ Burgers

5.00 Mitt(s) 8 Rating(s)8 votes, average: 5.00 out of 58 votes, average: 5.00 out of 58 votes, average: 5.00 out of 58 votes, average: 5.00 out of 58 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

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Level: Easy

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Description

There are few things in life that are better than a great burger. OK, maybe there are more than a few, but it really can’t be all that many. This is especially true when you top the burger with a slice of cheddar, some grilled onions (as in actually on the grill), and some tangy BBQ sauce. We’re talkin’ about some serious USDA grade-A all-American fire-grilled good eats!

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Ground Beef, 80/20
  • 1-½ Tablespoon Your Favorite BBQ Rub (or 2 Tsp Seasoned Salt)
  • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • ¼ cups Water, Ice Cold
  • 1 whole Large Sweet Onion, Sliced To 1/3" (six Slices)
  • Kosher Salt And Black Pepper
  • Canola Or Vegetable Oil
  • 6 slices Medium Cheddar Cheese
  • 6 whole Buns
  • 6 Tablespoons Your Favorite BBQ Sauce

Preparation

Put the beef, BBQ seasoning, soy sauce and water in a large mixing bowl.

Use your hands to mix the ingredients very well. Yes, it’s messy.

Divide the meat into six equal portions and form them into evenly-sized patties 1/2″ thick patties (about six inches in diameter).

Sprinkle both sides of each patty with pepper.

Use your index finger to put a hole in the center of each patty and set them aside.

Season both sides of each onion slice lightly with salt and pepper, being careful to leave the rings intact.

Lightly oil both side of each onion slice.

Start your grill and prepare for direct and indirect cooking (heat to one side) over a medium-hot fire (375-400º).

Grill the onions over direct heat for about two minutes per side, then move them to the cooler side of the grill.

Lightly oil both sides of each burger.

Grill the burgers over direct heat for three minutes.

Flip the burgers and cook them another three minutes.

Move the burgers to the cooler side of the grill and top each with a slice of cheese and a grilled onion slice.

Toast the buns over direct heat.

Assemble the burgers, topping each one with a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve and enjoy!

7 Comments

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patiodaddio on 5.14.2010

You’re welcome, Angela. I am very glad that the recipe worked well for you. I love happy eaters! -John

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angelacarol on 5.13.2010

These burgers were SO, SO good. Thanks to you, Patiodaddio, now my husband thinks I’ve finally mastered our grill. I didn’t tell him it was your detailed instructions that led me to getting them just right, not overdone. Thanks for the wonderful recipe, I can’t wait to do them again.

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patiodaddio on 5.10.2010

No, I don’t make a complete hole. I just stick my finger in it until it hits the sheet pan/plate/platter. -John

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girlcancook on 5.10.2010

These burgers look really good! I’m all about eatting a yummy burger. What is the reason for putting the index finger hole in the middle of the pattie? Do you make the hole go right through the pattie? I’m curious….

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patiodaddio on 5.10.2010

Bianca – The oil just helps to sear and caramelize the outside of burgers. – John

8 Reviews

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Shelly In The Kitchen on 4.18.2013

These burgers were to die for!!! I adjusted the toppings a little (gorgonzola cheese, grilled onions, BBQ sauce), but the soy sauce and water added to the meat made them so moist and flavorful. They were easily the best burgers we have made. No matter what I top my burgers with, I will continue using this recipe as a base. Thank you!

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Karen on 2.27.2012

OMG! I made these for dinner tonight they were awesome. My husband said they we the best burgers I ever made. I will be using this recipe from now on. So much better than frozen store bought. Thanks for the great recipe!

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thesweetandsalty on 11.1.2011

Very tasty. Can’t go wrong with beef and BBQ sauce.

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rusticsoap on 6.6.2011

I made these for my son’s b-day party – HUGE hit with all! My meat-eating husband raved about them. They are quick & easy too – I think I’ll make a bunch and freeze for summer. Thanks for a great recipe!

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lesliepie on 9.12.2010

We are pretty stuck-up about our burgers and we LOVED these! I had some New Mexican green chiles to use up and so I roasted them and we put them on top. Next time we have company, I am making these! Thank you!

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