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Make this Western Burger for the perfect summertime burger recipe. Every bite is loaded with flavor and you will love how easy it is to make.

Hamburger that has slice tomato, green lettuce, crispy onion rings, bacon slices, slice of cheese and hamburger beef patties and BBQ Sauce all between seeded hamburger buns
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Grilling season is my favorite time of the year. Making burgers on the grill is my go-to recipe when we have friends over or for a quick weeknight meal. We love making Crack Burgers and Cheese Stuffed Burgers because of the delicious variation.

If you love burgers that are layered with crispy onions, bacon, and BBQ Sauce this Western Burger is the one to make.

Why Make a Western Burger

This burger is seasoned with simple ingredients. Adding the crispy onions and bacon takes a classic burger to a whole new level. These burgers can easily be prepared ahead of time to save time.

If you love getting a burger at your local restaurant, try making this burger at home. You will find that it is so juicy and taste so much better.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, bacon, onion, flour, paprika, buttermilk, vegetable oil, cheese, BBQ Sauce, buns
  • Ground Beef – You can also make this burger with ground turkey
  • Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
  • Bacon – Prepare bacon ahead of time to save time. You can also use already cooked bacon
  • Paprika – For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika
  • BBQ sauce – Learn How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Scroll to the bottom for the full list of ingredients and recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Western Burger

4 Ground beef Patties on a white plate

Step 1 – In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Set aside.

Slice of bacon cooking in a frying pan

Step 2 – Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.

Bowl of onions, buttermilk, and flour in a bowl

Step 3 – In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour and paprika. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish.

Bowl of onion slices, bowl of flour with onion on the flour, and a bowl of milk

Step 4 – Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk, then coat it with the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat the process until all onion rings are coated.

Frying onion rings in a skillet with oil

Step 5 – Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F. Fry the coated onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the onion rings from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Cooked beef patties topped with melted cheese

Step 6 – Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach the desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty.

  • Step 7 – Assemble the juicy burger patties by spreading barbecue sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheese-topped patty on the sauce, followed by 2 slices of bacon and 2-3 fried onion rings. Add any optional toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, or mayonnaise.
  • Step 8 – Place the top half of the bun on the burger and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

  • Ground Beef – For the best flavor, use ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio.
  • Combining Ingredients – Mix the seasonings into the ground beef until just combined. Over mixing can lead to tough burgers.
  • Crispy Onion Rings – Fry the onion rings in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy onion rings.
  • Cooking Burgers – These burgers can easily be cooked on the grill or on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet. We have even made Smash Burgers with these toppings.

How to Know When Burgers are Cooked

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your patties and your grill. Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

You will know the burgers are cooked when each is cooked. You may need to use a meat thermometer or slice into the burger to make sure no pink in the middle.

Hamburger that has slice tomato, green lettuce, crispy onion rings, bacon slices, slice of cheese and hamburger beef patties and BBQ Sauce all between seeded hamburger buns

Serving Suggestions

These juicy burgers is delicious served with your favorite side dishes. You can serve with a Easy Caesar Salad Recipe, Easy Homemade French Fries, or Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe.

Add your favorite toppings including the crispy onions, Smash Burger Sauce and strips of bacon. We have even added slice avocado and jalapeño.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Beef to Make Burgers?

We like to use a lean ground beef that has about a 15% to 20% fat percentage. This helps to keep the burgers to keep juicy while grilling. Ground chuck is a great option but you can use any type of ground beef you choose.

Can I Make Beef Patties Ahead of Time?

Yes, to help to streamline the cooking process, you can prepare the patties ahead of time. Place the patties in a baking dish and place in the fridge. If you are doubling the recipe, you may need to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent the patties from sticking.

How to Store Leftover Western Burger

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These burgers will last about 4-5 days. For best results, we recommend store the toppings separately from the burger so everything stays fresh.

Hamburger that has slice tomato, green lettuce, crispy onion rings, bacon slices, slice of cheese and hamburger beef patties and BBQ Sauce all between seeded hamburger buns with the same burger in the background

More Easy Burger Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Western Burger Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Western Burger

5 from 2 votes
Make this Western Burger for the perfect summertime burger recipe. Every bite is loaded with flavor and you will love how easy it is to make.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 1120

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Set aside.
  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
  • In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour and paprika. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish.
  • Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk, then coat it with the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat the process until all onion rings are coated.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F. Fry the coated onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the onion rings from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
  • Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach the desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty.
  • Assemble the burgers by spreading BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheese-topped patty on the sauce, followed by 2 slices of bacon and 2-3 fried onion rings. Add any optional toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, or mayonnaise.
  • Place the top half of the bun on the burger and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

For the best flavor, use ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio.
Mix the seasonings into the ground beef until just combined. Over mixing can lead to tough burgers.
Fry the onion rings in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy onion rings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 1120kcal, Carbohydrates 62g, Protein 47g, Fat 75g, Saturated Fat 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat 12g, Monounsaturated Fat 27g, Trans Fat 2g, Cholesterol 173mg, Sodium 1532mg, Potassium 819mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 19g, Vitamin A 614IU, Vitamin C 2mg, Calcium 273mg, Iron 6mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 2 votes

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!

  2. Stephen says:

    5 stars
    We threw this together on a rushed evening and were totally satisfied. I didn’t use patties or buns but crumbled the ground beef in bite-sized chunks on a bed of letuice. Heap the tomatoes, onion rings, cheest, sauces, pickels and whatever and it is great. It was a hit! We can enjoy this full taste without the bun and it is delicious.

  3. Casey says:

    5 stars
    My family loved the addition of the crispy onion rings!