BBQ Cheeseburger Recipe

Sizzling BBQ Cheeseburger Recipe for Epic Backyard Cookouts

Crafting the ultimate BBQ cheeseburger requires passion and a dash of culinary creativity.

Juicy beef patties sizzle with smoky promise on hot grates.

Summer cookouts come alive with these mouthwatering delights that spark conversation and appetite.

Melted cheese cascades over seasoned meat, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of tangy barbecue sauce and rich, savory ingredients.

Charred edges and tender centers make this burger a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and master this delectable masterpiece right now.

What Makes BBQ Cheeseburgers Awesome

  • Easily master the art of grilling juicy, perfectly cooked burger patties with this foolproof method that guarantees delicious results every single time.
  • Create a personalized burger experience by adding your favorite toppings, making this recipe adaptable for everyone's taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Combine the smoky goodness of grilled beef with melted cheese and tangy barbecue sauce to create an irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

BBQ Cheeseburger Ingredients

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein base for classic burger.
Cheese and Bun:
  • Cheese Slice: Melty topping for added creaminess.
  • Hamburger Buns: Soft carrier for burger patty.
Seasoning and Sauce:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for burger.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Tangy, sweet finishing drizzle.
Optional Toppings:
  • Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, Bacon: Fresh and crispy burger additions.

How To Make BBQ Cheeseburgers

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.

This ensures a perfect sear and delicious caramelization on your burger patties.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Burger Patties

Create four burger patties from ground beef.

Use your thumb to press a small dimple in the center of each patty.

This prevents the burgers from puffing up during cooking.

Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Cook Burger Patties

Place patties on the hot grill.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Aim for these internal temperatures:
  • Medium-rare: 130-135°F
  • Medium: 140-145°F

Step 4: Melt Cheese Beautifully

During the final minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty.

Allow the cheese to melt completely and become wonderfully gooey.

Step 5: Toast Burger Buns

While burgers are cooking, lightly toast hamburger buns on the grill until they develop a golden brown color and slight crispness.

Step 6: Add Barbecue Sauce

Drizzle barbecue sauce over each cooked burger patty for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

Step 7: Load Up With Toppings

Customize your burger with favorite toppings:
  • Crisp lettuce
  • Juicy tomato slices
  • Sliced onions
  • Tangy pickles
  • Crispy bacon

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Place each patty on a toasted bun, add toppings, and crown with the top bun.

Serve immediately and savor your grilled masterpiece.

BBQ Cheeseburger Cooking Tips

  • Gently shape ground beef without overworking the meat to keep burgers tender and juicy.
  • Add cheese during the last minute of grilling to prevent overcooking and achieve perfect melty texture.
  • Make a thumb indent in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and maintain a flat shape.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for precise doneness and food safety.
  • Experiment with different barbecue sauces or mix homemade sauce to elevate burger taste without complicated preparation.

Storing BBQ Cheeseburgers Right

  • Store leftover burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
  • Wrap individual burgers in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Place burger on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap burger in aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add fresh cheese during last 2 minutes of heating for extra melty goodness.

Sides That Go With BBQ Cheeseburgers

  • Pair Smoky Craft Beer: Select a robust amber ale or smoked porter that complements the barbecue sauce's rich flavors and matches the burger's grilled intensity.
  • Create Zesty Slaw Side: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of honey to cut through the burger's richness and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
  • Match Spicy Dipping Sauce: Blend sriracha mayo or chipotle aioli as a dynamic condiment that adds heat and complexity to each burger bite, enhancing the overall grilling experience.
  • Choose Crisp Pickle Garnish: Add quick-pickled red onions or dill pickle slices to introduce a sharp, acidic note that balances the meat's fat and brings bright, zingy freshness to the plate.

BBQ Cheeseburger Style Ideas

  • Veggie Burger Swap: Replace ground beef with a plant-based patty made from black beans, quinoa, or a store-bought vegetarian burger for a meat-free alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or wrap the burger in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-sensitive friendly version.
  • Lean Protein Modification: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat burger that still packs flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip cheese completely, using avocado or grilled mushrooms for added richness.

FAQs

  • How do I choose the right ground beef for my burgers?

Select ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciest burgers. More fat content means more flavor and tenderness, preventing dry patties.

  • Why should I make an indentation in the burger patty?

The thumb indentation prevents patties from puffing up during grilling, ensuring even cooking and a flat burger surface that fits perfectly on the bun.

  • What's the most accurate way to check burger doneness?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F, and for medium, target 140-145°F for safe and perfectly cooked burgers.

  • Can I prepare burger patties in advance?

Yes, you can shape patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper, for up to 24 hours before grilling. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.

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BBQ Cheeseburger Recipe

BBQ Cheeseburger Recipe


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4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling bbq cheeseburgers deliver pure grilling magic straight from American backyard cookouts. Juicy beef patties glazed with smoky barbecue sauce and melted cheese create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)

Cheese and Bread:

  • 4 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite cheese)
  • 4 hamburger buns

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) barbecue sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Pickles
  • Bacon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring an even cooking surface around 400-425°F.
  2. Gently form ground beef into four uniform patties, creating a slight dimple in the center to prevent swelling during cooking. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Position burger patties on the heated surface, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Monitor internal temperature: 130-135°F for medium-rare or 140-145°F for medium doneness.
  4. During the final cooking minute, layer a cheese slice atop each patty, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a creamy coating.
  5. Simultaneously, lightly toast hamburger buns on the grill until achieving a golden-brown crisp exterior.
  6. Transfer each melted cheese-covered patty onto a toasted bun base, then drizzle barbecue sauce evenly across the meat.
  7. Customize burgers with preferred toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy onions, crunchy pickles, or crispy bacon strips.
  8. Crown each burger with the top bun half, creating a complete and appetizing sandwich ready for immediate serving.

Notes

  • Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 for juicier, more flavorful burgers that won’t dry out during grilling.
  • Make patties slightly larger than buns since meat shrinks when cooking, ensuring perfect bun coverage.
  • Create a shallow dimple in burger center preventing patties from puffing up and promoting even cooking.
  • Use instant-read meat thermometer for precise doneness without cutting into burgers and losing precious juices.
  • Let burgers rest 3-5 minutes after grilling to redistribute internal juices, guaranteeing maximum tenderness.
  • Opt for freshly ground beef from butcher for superior texture and richer taste compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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