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Flavorful Dad’s Famous Backyard Burgers with Secret Sauce

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Juicy, smoky backyard burgers with a tangy secret sauce that makes every bite a celebration. Perfect for quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Thinly sliced tomatoes
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Butter for toasting buns

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you make the patties.
  2. Season the Ground Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Gently mix with your hands without overworking.
  3. Form the Patties: Divide the beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Shape into round patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  4. Preheat Grill or Pan: Heat grill or pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
  5. Cook the Patties: Place patties on grill or pan. Cook 3-4 minutes on first side without pressing. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Add cheese slices in last minute if using and cover to melt. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  6. Toast the Buns: While burgers rest for 2 minutes, butter the insides of buns and toast on grill or pan until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread secret sauce on both bun halves. Layer lettuce, tomato, and red onion on bottom bun. Add patty, then top with other bun half. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep burgers juicy. Press a dimple in the center of patties to prevent puffing. Cook on medium-high heat for a good crust. Flip only once and avoid pressing patties while cooking. Let burgers rest for 2 minutes before assembling. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute mayo and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: backyard burgers, secret sauce, juicy burgers, easy burger recipe, summer cookout, grilled burgers

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/flavorful-dads-famous-backyard-burgers-easy-recipe-with-secret-sauce/