Honey BBQ Cowboy Burgers

Bold, smoky, and dripping with flavor, these Honey BBQ Cowboy Burgers are the ultimate backyard indulgence. Juicy grilled beef patties are seasoned and seared to perfection, then stacked high with cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, sweet honey BBQ sauce, and fresh veggies. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just craving a hearty handheld meal, these burgers deliver big on taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, flavor-packed beef patties with smoky seasoning

• Sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce adds depth

• Crispy onion rings bring crunch and texture

• Melty cheddar cheese for classic burger richness

• Fresh lettuce and tomato for balance and brightness

• Easy to prep and grill in under an hour

• Family-friendly and great for cookouts or game day

• Can be customized with your favorite toppings

• Makes 8 full-sized burgers — perfect for feeding a crowd

• Big, bold flavor in every bite

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 2 tablespoons Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ Sauce

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1½ tablespoons seasoned salt, divided

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 8 hamburger buns

• 16 frozen onion rings, cooked according to package instructions

• 8 slices cheddar cheese

• Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ Sauce (for topping)

• Lettuce

• Sliced tomato

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, 2 tablespoons honey BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

3. Divide and shape the beef mixture into 8 burger patties. Press a small indent into the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during grilling.

4. Sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon of seasoned salt evenly over the patties.

5. Grill burgers for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. During the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and close the lid to melt.

6. Toast hamburger buns on the grill for 1–2 minutes if desired.

7. Assemble the burgers: Place lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, top with a cheeseburger patty, a spoonful of honey BBQ sauce, and two crispy onion rings. Finish with the top bun.

8. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 477 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

• Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, provolone, or smoked gouda.

• added Crunch: Add pickled red onions or slaw for extra texture.

• Mini Sliders: Make smaller patties and use slider buns for parties.

• Griddle Style: Cook patties on a flat griddle for a crispy crust.

• Extra BBQ Flavor: Brush patties with more sauce while grilling for a glaze effect.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked patties (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Toast buns and assemble just before serving.

• Avoid Sogginess: Store toppings separately and reassemble for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different BBQ sauce?

Yes, use any honey-style BBQ sauce you like.

Do I need to use frozen onion rings?

Frozen onion rings are convenient, but you can also make your own homemade version if preferred.

What’s the best type of ground beef to use?

An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) gives the best balance of flavor and juiciness for grilled burgers.

Can I cook these burgers without a grill?

Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan or cast iron skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for the same time.

How do I know when the burgers are done?

Use a meat thermometer — 160°F (71°C) is the recommended internal temperature for ground beef.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes, shape and season the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge.

How can I make the burgers healthier?

Use leaner beef, skip the bun, or serve on lettuce wraps. You can also reduce or omit cheese and mayo.

What are good side dishes for these burgers?

Potato wedges, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a green salad all make great sides.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. Adjust grilling time as needed.

Are these burgers freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze uncooked or cooked patties wrapped tightly. Thaw before cooking or reheating.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Cowboy Burgers are a deliciously bold and satisfying way to upgrade your burger game. With sweet BBQ sauce, melty cheese, crispy onion rings, and juicy seasoned beef, every bite is packed with smoky, savory flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or craving something hearty and homemade, this recipe delivers the perfect bite every time.

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