Cowboy Burger Recipe with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws

With its juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese, this Cowboy Burger recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

Crispy onion straws, grilled pickles and a brazen rub that creates a caramelized outer layer take this burger to a whole new level!

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and hearty meals, you’ll love this classic American dish. This post contains affiliate links.

Be sure to check out our other grilling recipes, too!

Cowboy Burger Recipe

Cowboy Burger Recipe

McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter recommends you pick a flavor combo that packs a real punch for the rub, then build out the burger with toppings and condiments to match that taste.

For example, use Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning, chili powder and brown sugar to make a sweet and smoky rub, then top with a rich BBQ mayonnaise, melty cheddar, grilled pickle slices and crispy onion straws.

A special thanks to McCormick.com for this recipe.

Ingredients:

BBQ Mayonnaise:

Crispy Onion Straws:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Cowboy Burgers:

Cowboy Burger Square

Directions for Cowboy Burger Recipe:

Step 1: For the BBQ Mayonnaise, mix mayonnaise and Bar-B-Q Sauce in small bowl until well blended.

Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: For the Onions, mix flour, salt and pepper in large resealable plastic bag. Add onion; toss to coat well.

Pour oil into deep fryer, large heavy skillet or saucepan, filling no more than 1/3 full. Heat oil on medium-high heat.

Step 3: Carefully add onion rings to hot oil. Fry 4 to 5 minutes, turning once to brown evenly, until onions rings are golden brown.

Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Step 4: For the Burgers, mix Seasoning, chili powder and brown sugar in small bowl.

Shape ground beef into 4 patties.

Coat surface of each patty evenly with the rub mixture.

Grill over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes per side or until burgers are cooked through (internal temperature of 160∫F).

Ultimate Game Day Burger Patty Recipe

Step 5: Add cheese slices to burgers 1 minute before cooking is completed.

Grill pickle slices 2 to 3 minutes per side or until grill marks appear.

Toast rolls on the grill, open-side down, about 30 seconds, if desired.

Step 6: Serve burgers on rolls topped with grilled pickles, Crispy Onion Straws and lettuce.

Serve with BBQ Mayonnaise.

Cowboy Burger Recipe with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws

Cowboy Burger Recipe with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

With its juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese, this Cowboy Burger is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

BBQ Mayonnaise

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Stubbs Original Bar-B-Q Sauce

Crispy Onion Straws

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Cowboy Burgers

  • 4 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon McCormick Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
  • 4 slices mild Cheddar cheese
  • 1 dill pickle, sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
  • 4 Kaiser rolls
  • 4 lettuce leaves

Instructions

    BBQ Mayonnaise

    1. Mix mayonnaise and Bar-B-Q Sauce in small bowl until well blended.
    2. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Onions

    1. Mix flour, salt and pepper in large resealable plastic bag.
    2. Add onion; toss to coat well.
    3. Pour oil into deep fryer, large heavy skillet or saucepan, filling no more than 1/3 full.
    4. Heat oil on medium-high heat.
    5. Carefully add onion rings to hot oil. Fry 4 to 5 minutes, turning once to brown evenly, until onions rings are golden brown.
    6. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

    Burgers

    1. Mix Seasoning, chili powder and brown sugar in small bowl.
    2. Shape ground beef into 4 patties.
    3. Coat surface of each patty evenly with the rub mixture.
    4. Grill over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes per side or until burgers are cooked through (internal temperature of 160∫F).
    5. Add cheese slices to burgers 1 minute before cooking is completed.
    6. Grill pickle slices 2 to 3 minutes per side or until grill marks appear.
    7. Toast rolls on the grill, open-side down, about 30 seconds, if desired.
    8. Serve burgers on rolls topped with grilled pickles, Crispy Onion Straws and lettuce. Serve with BBQ Mayonnaise.
    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 790Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 948mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 50g

    Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

    For more amazing burger ideas:

    Shipping is FREE with Amazon Prime. Sign up for a FREE 30-Day Amazon Prime Trial to get access to thousands of movies, tv shows, books and music for FREE!

    Mom Smarter! Not Harder

    Get mommy insights, tips and tricks directly to your inbox.

      We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!

      15 Comments

      1. I am so ready for a good burger, this looks fantastic! Hope you are having a good week and staying warm. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
        Miz Helen

      2. I have made these several times now and they are our new favorite burger! My favorite part is the bbq mayo sauce! Really a great recipe! Thanks!

      3. These cowboy burgers are delicious! My family loved them. I love having dinners the whole family will eat! Thank you

      Leave a Reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *