Sometimes, the best meals remind us of good times spent with family and friends. The Cowboy Burger, with its juicy beef patty, is a staple at our backyard barbecues. I remember the first time I grilled these burgers for a get-together. The smoky scent filled the air, and everyone gathered around, eager for a bite. Each burger is topped with grilled pickles and crispy onion straws, elevating the flavor to something truly special. This recipe matters because it brings joy and connection, creating moments that we cherish. Plus, the simple combination of barbecue mayonnaise, your favorite toppings, and that perfect grilling technique make this Cowboy Burger a favorite for both casual dinners and festive occasions.
why make this recipe
You should make the Cowboy Burger because it is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. The smoky seasoning on the beef patty gives it a rich taste, while the grilled pickles add a tangy crunch. The crispy onion straws are the crowning glory, bringing a fun and tasty twist. It’s a perfect choice for grilling season or whenever you want to impress your friends and family with something a bit different. This recipe combines familiar ingredients into something extraordinary and satisfying.
how to make Cowboy Burger
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Stubbs Original Bar-B-Q Sauce
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper
- 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon McCormick Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 4 slices mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 dill pickle, sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
- 4 Kaiser rolls
- 4 lettuce leaves
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Bar-B-Q sauce until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the onion rings and toss to coat them well.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer, large heavy skillet, or saucepan, filling it no more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil on medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the onion rings to the hot oil. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning them once until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the seasoning, chili powder, and brown sugar. Shape the ground beef into 4 patties and coat the surface of each patty evenly with the rub mixture.
- Grill the patties over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Add cheese slices to the burgers about 1 minute before they are done.
- Grill the pickle slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
- If desired, toast the rolls open-side down on the grill for about 30 seconds.
- Serve the burgers on the rolls, topped with grilled pickles, crispy onion straws, and lettuce. Don’t forget to add the BBQ mayonnaise!
how to serve Cowboy Burger
Serve your Cowboy Burger hot off the grill with a side of your favorite fries or a fresh salad. The BBQ mayonnaise can be served on the side for dipping. Add extra lettuce or any other toppings everyone might enjoy.
how to store Cowboy Burger
If you have leftovers, store the cooked patties, grilled pickles, and crispy onion straws separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat the burgers in a skillet or microwave, and enjoy them as a quick meal later.
tips to make Cowboy Burger
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef patties in the seasoning for a few hours before grilling.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique taste.
- If you like some spice, add diced jalapeños to the burger patty mix or use a spicy mayo.
variation
You can easily turn this recipe into a chicken or turkey burger by replacing the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey. Simply adjust the cooking times accordingly, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use veggie burger patties instead of ground beef and maintain the toppings for great flavor.
2. How do I know when the burgers are cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef and 165°F for poultry.
3. Can I grill the onion straws instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Toss them in olive oil and grill them on a low heat until they are lightly charred and tender.
Cowboy Burger
Ingredients
For the BBQ Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Stubbs Original Bar-B-Q Sauce
For the Fried Onion Straws
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper
- 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Burgers
- 4 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon McCormick Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 4 slices mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 dill pickle sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
- 4 leaves lettuce
Method
Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Bar-B-Q sauce until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the onion rings and toss to coat them well.
Frying Onion Straws
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer, large heavy skillet, or saucepan, filling it no more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil on medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the onion rings to the hot oil. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning them once until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Grilling the Burgers
- In a small bowl, mix the seasoning, chili powder, and brown sugar. Shape the ground beef into 4 patties and coat the surface of each patty evenly with the rub mixture.
- Grill the patties over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Add cheese slices to the burgers about 1 minute before they are done.
- Grill the pickle slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
- If desired, toast the rolls open-side down on the grill for about 30 seconds.
Serving
- Serve the burgers on the rolls, topped with grilled pickles, crispy onion straws, and lettuce. Don't forget to add the BBQ mayonnaise!