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Classic Dads Favorite Burgers Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Tutorial

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A quick and easy recipe for juicy, flavorful burgers topped with a tangy secret sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and backyard grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Leafy lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
  • Tomato slices, about ¼ inch thick
  • Thinly sliced red onion rings
  • Pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Mix the ground beef with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic gently in a large bowl without overworking the meat.
  2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 113g each) and shape into round patties about ¾-inch thick, pressing a small dimple in the center of each.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl until smooth.
  4. Preheat grill or pan to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). If using a pan, add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook patties on grill or pan for 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing, then flip and cook another 3-5 minutes until desired doneness. Add cheese slices during the last minute to melt.
  6. Toast the buns face down on the grill or pan until golden and crisp.
  7. Assemble burgers by spreading secret sauce on both bun halves, layering lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the bottom bun, placing the hot patty on top, then topping with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep patties tender. Press a thumb dimple in patties to prevent puffing. Use high heat for a good crust and avoid pressing patties while cooking to retain juices. Let patties rest 3-5 minutes after cooking. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Chill patties for 10 minutes before cooking if they shrink too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: classic burgers, secret sauce, backyard grilling, easy burger recipe, juicy burgers, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/classic-dads-favorite-burgers-recipe-with-easy-secret-sauce-tutorial/