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–+ servings

Easy Cowboy Burger Recipe

These easy cowboy burgers feature juicy beef patties, crispy onion rings, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue aioli, creating a hearty sandwich with a bold Western flair.
Perfect for summer grilling or year-round comfort food, this recipe delivers a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or deep fryer (for onion rings)
  • Grill or skillet (for burgers)

Ingredients
  

For the Barbecue Aioli:

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sweet barbecue sauce plus more to taste

For the Crispy Onion Rings:

  • Grapeseed or other high-heat cooking oil for frying
  • 1 cup milk any kind
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tablespoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large sweet or yellow onion sliced into ½-inch rings

For the Burgers:

  • ½ cup sliced dill pickle
  • 8 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 1 large tomato sliced into 8 rounds
  • 8 slices cooked bacon
  • 4 burger buns brioche recommended
  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1⅓ pounds ground chuck beef 80/20 blend
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 thick slices of medium cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Barbecue Aioli: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and barbecue sauce. Taste and adjust the sauce as desired. Set aside.
  • Make the Onion Rings:
    Heat about 1 inch of oil in a Dutch oven or fryer to 375°F.In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then mix in the sour cream.
    In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
    Dip each onion ring into the milk mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture. Repeat to double-coat.
    Fry the onion rings in batches for 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  • Prepare Burger Toppings: Set out the pickles, lettuce, tomato slices, and bacon.
  • Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast on a skillet or grill for about 1 minute until golden brown.
  • Cook the Burgers:
    Divide the beef into four equal portions and shape into patties, slightly larger than the buns. Press a shallow indent in the center to prevent puffing.
    Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
    Grill over medium heat, covered, for 3–5 minutes per side. Add a slice of cheese during the final minute to melt.
  • Assemble the Burgers: Spread the barbecue aioli on both sides of the toasted buns. Layer with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, burger patty with cheese, bacon, and crispy onion rings. Top with the bun.
  • Serve: Enjoy immediately with plenty of napkins!

Notes

  • Toasting the buns adds a crispy texture and prevents sogginess.
  • If short on time, use fried onion slices or raw onions instead of making onion rings.
Keyword bacon cheeseburger with onion rings, barbecue aioli burger, crispy onion ring burgers, easy cowboy burger recipe, easy recipes, easy summer grilling recipes, homemade gourmet burger ideas, Western-style burger
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