Western Burger

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

• 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.