Loaded BBQ Cheeseburger: A Flavor Bomb in Every Bite!

Written by Sarah Gardner
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If you're craving the ultimate burger experience, the Loaded BBQ Cheeseburger is here to rock your taste buds. Juicy, smoky, cheesy, and packed with toppings, this burger takes your backyard BBQ to the next level. Imagine a beef patty slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and all your favorite fixings, sandwiched between soft, buttery buns. It's indulgent, messy, and absolutely worth it.

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Loaded BBQ Cheeseburger

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Burgers

Equipment

  • Grill or stovetop griddle
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Small saucepan optional for heating BBQ sauce

Ingredients
  

For the Patties

  • 1 lb ground beef 80% lean
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

For Assembly

  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese or your favorite melting cheese
  • 4 slices of cooked bacon
  • 4 brioche buns lightly toasted
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite variety
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 tomato slices
  • Pickles optional

Optional Toppings

  • Jalapeño slices for some heat
  • Avocado slices for creaminess
  • Caramelized onions for added sweetness

Instructions
 

Prepare the Patties

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix to combine without overworking the meat. Divide into four equal portions and form into patties, pressing slightly in the center to create an indentation (this helps with even cooking).
    four evenly shaped raw beef patties placed on a parchment-lined surface PIN IT

Cook the Patties

  1. Heat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Add a slice of cheese on top during the last minute of cooking to melt.
    four beef patties cooking on a grill PIN IT

Toast the Buns

  1. Lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill or griddle for 1-2 minutes, until golden and warm.

Assemble the Burgers

  1. Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom bun.
  2. Place a lettuce leaf and tomato slice on top.
  3. Add the cheesy burger patty.
  4. Top with crispy bacon, fried onions, and any other optional toppings like pickles or jalapeños.
  5. Spread more BBQ sauce on the top bun and place it on top.

Serve

  1. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and a big stack of napkins—you’ll need them!

Pairings

The Loaded BBQ Cheeseburger pairs wonderfully with:

  • Sides: Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or onion rings.
  • Drinks: A cold, crisp lager, a glass of sweet iced tea, or a bold root beer.

FAQs

1. What type of beef works best?

For the juiciest burgers, go with ground beef that’s 80% lean and 20% fat. The fat content keeps the patties moist and flavorful.

2. Can I use other meats?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter option. For a more indulgent twist, try mixing ground beef with ground pork.

3. Which cheese melts best?

Cheddar is a classic choice, but pepper jack, Swiss, or smoked gouda add exciting twists.

4. How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap the beef patty for a plant-based patty or a large portobello mushroom cap, and use vegan cheese and BBQ sauce.

5. What if I don’t have a grill?

A stovetop griddle or skillet works perfectly. For a char-grilled flavor, use a cast-iron skillet and let it heat up properly before cooking.

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