Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in some truly mouthwatering BBQ fare. Today, we’re putting a delectable spin on the classic burger with our Smoky BBQ Bacon Burgers with Tangy Slaw. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of the smokehouse.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
Smoky, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors, these burgers are a true showstopper. The smoky BBQ seasoning and crispy bacon create a flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing, while the tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast that perfectly balances the dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these burgers are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the carefully curated blend of ingredients. From the perfectly seasoned patties to the zesty slaw, every element works in harmony to create a truly craveable dish. You’ll need ground beef, smoky BBQ seasoning, bacon, brioche buns, and a selection of fresh veggies for the slaw.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 2 tbsp – Smoky BBQ seasoning
- 8 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 – Brioche buns, toasted
- 2 cups – Shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup – Shredded carrots
- 1/2 – Red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup – Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp – Honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled feta (for a tasty flavor twist)
- Buns: Swap the brioche for your favorite burger rolls (for a more budget-friendly option)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
The process for creating these delectable burgers is straightforward, with a few key steps to ensure mouthwatering results.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion, shred the cabbage and carrots, and chop the fresh parsley. Season the ground beef with the smoky BBQ seasoning, mixing gently to combine. Form the seasoned beef into patties, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fire up your grill or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside. Grill or sear the seasoned burger patties, flipping once, until they reach your desired level of doneness. Toasting the brioche buns will add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Assemble your burgers by placing the patty on the toasted bun, topping it with the crispy bacon, and finishing with a generous helping of the tangy slaw. The contrast of the smoky, juicy burger, the crispy bacon, and the refreshing slaw is truly a taste sensation.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce or a melty slice of cheese to the burger. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Healthier Swap: Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based patties for a healthier twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the slaw or the burger itself for an extra kick of flavor.
- Smokier Flavor: For an even smokier profile, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the burger patty mixture or brushing the cooked patties with a smoky BBQ sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based burger patty and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether. The tangy slaw can easily be made vegan as well.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: French fries, potato salad, or a fresh garden salad.
Storage: Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tangy slaw can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the leftover burgers in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Make-Ahead: The tangy slaw can be made in advance, making this a great option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Bacon Burgers with Tangy Slaw are a hearty, satisfying meal that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, with 30g of protein, 45g of carbs, and 25g of fat. The slaw adds a boost of fiber and vitamins, making this a well-rounded and nutritious option.
- Serving Size: 1 burger with slaw
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! These burgers can easily be cooked in a large skillet or cast-iron pan on the stovetop. Just be sure to get the pan nice and hot before adding the patties.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tangy slaw can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes for easy assembly when it’s time to serve the burgers.
How can I make these burgers even smokier?
For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the burger patty mixture or brushing the cooked patties with a smoky BBQ sauce.
Are there any vegetarian/vegan options?
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based burger patty and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether. The tangy slaw can easily be made vegan as well.
How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?
The key to preventing your burgers from falling apart is to handle the patties gently and avoid overworking the meat. Be sure to form the patties loosely and use your thumb to create a shallow indent in the center before cooking.
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Smoky BBQ Bacon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy burgers infused with smoky BBQ flavor, topped with crispy bacon and served with a tangy slaw for a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 8 slices bacon, cooked
– 4 burger buns
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt to taste
– Pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and half of the BBQ sauce.
4. 3. Form the mixture into 4 burger patties.
5. 4. Grill the patties for about 6 minutes on each side, basting with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.
6. 5. In a separate bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the slaw.
7. 6. Toast the burger buns on the grill for about 1 minute.
8. 7. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on each bun, topping with bacon and tangy slaw.
9. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– You can add cheese to the burgers while grilling for an extra flavor.
– Adjust the slaw ingredients to your taste for sweetness or tanginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: burger, BBQ, summer, grilling, bacon