Pin These BBQ cheeseburgers are my secret weapon for transforming any summer evening into a backyard celebration. Ground beef gets seasoned to perfection, grilled until just juicy, and topped with melty cheese and smoky BBQ sauce. Stacked on toasted buns with your favorite fixings, every bite reminds me why homemade burgers always win over takeout.
That first time I made these for friends, everyone went back for seconds and there were zero leftovers. Now any barbecue at my place means these burgers are front and center.
Ingredients
- Ground beef 80 20 blend: adds juicy texture and rich flavor. Look for freshly ground meat from your butcher for best results
- Worcestershire sauce: delivers savoriness and that subtle umami punch
- Garlic powder: brings aromatic depth and makes patties more flavorful
- Onion powder: adds a mellow sweetness and rounds out the seasoning
- Smoked paprika: infuses burgers with just a hint of smokiness. Opt for Spanish smoked paprika if you can find it
- Salt and black pepper to taste: essential for proper seasoning. Freshly ground pepper gives a better kick
- Cheddar or pepper jack cheese: use high-quality slices for the ultimate melt and flavor
- BBQ sauce: choose smoky sweet or spicy depending on your mood. The sauce brings the theme together
- Hamburger buns: pick ones that are sturdy and soft. Brioche or potato rolls hold up well to juicy toppings
- Lettuce leaves: pick crisp varieties like iceberg or romaine for texture
- Tomato slices: select ripe tomatoes with a vibrant color for the best freshness
- Red onion slices: give zing and crunch to balance the richness
- Pickles: optional but add irresistible tanginess
- Butter for toasting buns: helps them get that golden edge and richer taste
Instructions
- Prepare the patties:
- Combine ground beef Worcestershire sauce garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just incorporated so the meat stays tender. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties about the size of your buns. Press a slight indentation in the center of each with your thumb so they cook evenly and stay flat
- Preheat the grill:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Allow at least five minutes for it to get hot. If using a grill brush make sure your grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking
- Grill the burgers:
- Place patties on the grill and cook for four to five minutes on the first side. Flip gently and cook another four to five minutes until your preferred doneness. During the last minute place a cheese slice on each burger and close the lid or cover with foil for melty cheese perfection
- Toast the buns:
- While the burgers cook lightly butter the cut sides of your buns. Place them on the grill buttered side down and toast for one to two minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Watch closely so they do not burn
- Assemble the burgers:
- Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce on both the top and bottom buns. On the bottom bun start with lettuce followed by your cheesy burger patty then tomato red onion and pickles if you want. Cap with the top bun for the classic burger stack
- Serve up and enjoy:
- Transfer the assembled burgers immediately to plates. They pair perfectly with hot fries crunchy chips or even a crisp green salad on the side
Pin A good burger night is one of my happiest childhood memories and BBQ cheeseburgers were always the showstopper. It is nearly impossible for me to resist sneaking a piece of melted cheese right off the grill when I make these for family.
Storage Tips
Leftover cooked burgers should be cooled then wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to three days. For best results reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving with the bun to keep it from getting soggy. You can also freeze the cooked patties wrapped tightly for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef if you prefer a lighter option. Try a high-quality vegan patty for a plant-based version that still delivers satisfying flavor. Use gluten-free hamburger buns and dairy-free cheese slices to accommodate different dietary needs. If you do not have smoked paprika a bit of chipotle powder or regular paprika will work.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers are classic with fries but I love them alongside grilled corn or a big bowl of slaw during summer. For a gourmet twist add grilled pineapple rings or crispy bacon on top. You can even set out a toppings bar with pickles jalapeños and extra sauces so everyone can build their ultimate burger.
Pin To finish, toast those buns well and let everyone pick their favorite toppings for the perfect burger experience. Nothing says summer quite like homemade BBQ cheeseburgers served fresh and hot off the grill.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of ground beef is best for these burgers?
An 80/20 ground beef blend provides the ideal balance of juiciness and flavor when grilling burger patties.
- → How do you prevent burgers from puffing up on the grill?
Press a small indentation in the center of each patty before grilling to help retain a flat shape during cooking.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar or pepper jack?
Yes, use your preferred melting cheese such as Swiss, American, or provolone to suit your taste.
- → What are some recommended garnishes and toppings?
Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce. Try crispy bacon or grilled pineapple for variety.
- → How can I make this suitable for different diets?
Use gluten-free buns for gluten-free needs, and substitute dairy-free cheese and butter if desired. Swap in turkey or plant-based patties for alternatives.
- → What sides go well with these burgers?
Serve with fries, chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.