Give your next burger a Southwestern twist by adding a few special ingredients to turn it into a Cowboy Burger. Yeehaw!
Even for people who love eating burgers, there are times when a standard one just won’t do. This is when you have to add a few extra ingredients to make your burger special. Of course, there is no shortage of ways to do this, but one of my favorites is to turn it into a cowboy burger.
You may be wondering what a cowboy burger is. It’s essentially a burger made with a Southwest theme, so it has a lot more character and flavor than a typical burger. This is the type of burger you’ll find in a steakhouse—for those who aren’t in the mood for steak—but it’s easy to make at home with just a few alterations to a normal burger.
The amazing thing about this burger is that you’re not adding anything unusual, but the combination of items does form something special. While it’s pretty standard to add cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato to a burger, it’s the onion rings and the barbecue sauce that make this a standout. Onion is often typical on burgers, but onion rings add a crispiness you won’t find in most burgers. Meanwhile, the barbecue sauce is what gives this burger that Southwest feel, thanks to the sweetness and tang.
Are Cowboy Burgers Healthy?
Cowboy burgers are good for a special occasion because they’re certainly an indulgent option. With beef, bacon, cheese, and onion rings, there is a lot of fat and cholesterol in this burger. It is, however, a good source of protein, plus the lettuce and tomato will also provide some nutritional value. This recipe has already been made a little healthier than it could have been, by its recommendation of using whole wheat burger buns and baked onion rings over deep-fried ones. If you want to make this burger a little more healthy still, use turkey bacon or try a sugar-free or low-sugar barbecue sauce. However, even with those steps, the cowboy burger is best enjoyed in moderation.
Make This Cowboy Burger Something Special
There are a few things you can do to customize this recipe and create the perfect cowboy burger. Consider adding some spices to the beef patties before they cook. A little bit of cayenne or chipotle chili powder brings the spice, while smoked paprika will impart a smokier flavor. Try adding a little steak sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the meat before cooking. And feel free to customize the toppings as much as you like. For instance, some people prefer fried onions instead of onion rings. Adding mushrooms or avocados can also be tasty additions.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If there are leftovers, store the meat separate from the other toppings. In an airtight container, the meat patties should stay good for up to 3 days. If possible, avoid preparing the bacon or onion rings until you’re ready to eat the burger, but those leftovers can also be kept separately in the fridge for a few days.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Yes, the burger patties can be put together but left uncooked and stored in the fridge ahead of time. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container. The other toppings can also be prepared a day in advance and stored in separate containers.
Can I Alter The Size Of The Burger Patties?
Depending on how many burgers you plan to make, you can indeed adjust the size of each patty. Keep in mind that this will also impact the cooking time. With this recipe, I recommend thick-cut burgers that are at least 1 inch thick.
Serving Suggestions
Of course, Homemade French Fries are the obvious side dish to go with a cowboy burger. For a special burger like this one, I might mix it up by making Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or Butternut Squash Fries. Of course, Steak Fries are also a side that pairs perfectly. Other than fries, various coleslaw recipes like Southern Coleslaw or Carolina Coleslaw go well with a cowboy burger. Also consider side dishes like Grilled Corn On The Cob, Baked Beans, or Southern Potato Salad.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85% lean
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- 8 baked onion rings
- Pickled jalapeños optional
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside on paper towels to drain fat.
- In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt and black pepper. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness. In the final minute, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty to allow it to melt.
- While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill.
- Spread barbecue sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add lettuce leaf, tomato slice, cheese-topped patty, bacon slices, onion rings, and pickled jalapeños if desired. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment