Easy BBQ Cheeseburger Recipe.

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Your New Favorite: The Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger!

Ready for a burger that brings all the flavor and fun? This BBQ Cheeseburger recipe is a total game-changer! It brings together that classic juicy burger taste with the irresistible tang and sweetness of barbecue sauce. It’s easy, unbelievably tasty, and perfect for grilling season or any casual meal. Get ready to sizzle!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
4 hamburger buns
4 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite)
4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon¹

Building Your Best Burger: Step-by-Step

Heat Your Grill: Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re inside, a grill pan on the stove works great too.
Shape the Patties: Divide 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend is best for juiciness!) into four equal portions. Gently shape each into a patty. Here’s a secret for even cooking: press a small thumbprint into the center of each patty. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Grill ‘Em Up: Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Cook longer for more well-done burgers, or less for a rarer finish.
Melt That Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, American, or whatever you love!) on top of each burger. Close the grill lid for a moment to help it melt perfectly.
Toast the Buns: While the cheese melts, quickly toast your hamburger buns on the grill until they’re lightly golden. This keeps them from getting soggy and adds a great texture.
Assemble & Enjoy: Place each hot, cheesy patty on a toasted bun. Drizzle about a tablespoon of barbecue sauce over the burger. Now, load it up with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or crispy bacon! Top with the other bun half and dig in!

Serving Up Your Perfect BBQ Cheeseburger!

You’ve grilled up a fantastic BBQ Cheeseburger – now let’s make sure you serve it right and handle any leftovers like a pro!

How to Serve:

These burgers are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any casual gathering or family dinner.

Classic Combo: The most popular choice! Serve your hot, juicy burgers with a side of crispy French fries, golden onion rings, creamy potato salad, or fresh coleslaw.
Customization Station: Set out all the fixings! Think crisp lettuce, sliced ripe tomatoes, red onion rings, crunchy pickles, and extra BBQ sauce for drizzling. Don’t forget ketchup, mustard, and mayo!
Beyond the Bun: For those looking for a low-carb option, serve the burger patty over a large lettuce leaf or alongside a fresh garden salad.
Creative Sides: Don’t limit yourself! Grilled corn on the cob, a simple pasta salad, or even a selection of crunchy chips are great companions.
Drinks & Desserts: Pair with ice-cold lemonade, sweet iced tea, or a cold soda. Finish the meal with something sweet like cookies or a fruit salad.

Storage & Reheating Tips:

Sometimes, you might have a patty or two left over, or you’re making them ahead for quick meals.

Storage (Cooked Patties):
- Let the cooked burger patties cool completely.
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the buns and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing (Cooked Patties):
- Cool cooked patties completely. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Pro Tip: You can also freeze uncooked patties! Shape them, place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This is great for burger meal prep.
Reheating (Cooked Patties):
- Stovetop/Skillet: This is often the best method for retaining some texture. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Reheat patties for a few minutes per side until warmed through.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place patties on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Microwave: While convenient, microwaving can sometimes make patties a bit rubbery. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. This is generally the least recommended method for preserving texture.
- Important: Only add cheese and toast buns fresh when reheating for the best experience!

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Even simple burgers have common pitfalls that can lead to disappointment.

Overworking the Meat: When shaping patties, mix the ground beef as little as possible. Overworking the meat makes your burgers tough and dense.
Using Too Lean Beef: An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is usually recommended. Leaner beef can result in dry, less flavorful burgers.
Skipping the Thumbprint: Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from bulging into a ball shape on the grill.
Flipping Too Often: Resist the urge! Let the burger cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side. This allows a nice crust to form and keeps the juices locked in. Only flip once.
Overcooking: No one wants a dry burger! Use a meat thermometer if unsure. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (55−57°C); for medium, 140-145°F (60−63°C). Remember the temperature will rise a few degrees after it comes off the grill.
Not Toasting Buns: An untoasted bun can quickly become soggy from burger juices and condiments. A quick toast adds essential texture and prevents sogginess.

What’s your favorite cheese to put on a BBQ cheeseburger?

Burger Boss Tips & Tricks!

Q: What kind of beef should I use?
- A: An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal. The fat keeps your burgers super juicy as they cook.
Q: My burgers puff up in the middle, why?
- A: That’s where the thumbprint trick comes in! It stops the patty from bulging, so it cooks evenly.
Q: When should I add the cheese?
- A: Add it during the last minute of cooking on the grill. Close the lid briefly to get that perfect melt.
Q: Can I add other seasonings to the patties?
- A: Absolutely! Try a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even smoked paprika for extra flavor in your homemade burger patties.
Q: Why toast the buns?
- A: Toasting adds a delicious crunch and creates a barrier, keeping your bun from getting soggy from the sauces and juices.
Q: Should I flip the burgers often?
- A: Resist the urge! Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side to get a great sear.
Q: What are great sides for BBQ burgers?
- A: Classic choices include crispy French fries, onion rings, potato salad, or a fresh coleslaw. Grilled corn is also amazing!

Recipe Card: BBQ Cheeseburger

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4