How to Make the Best Cowboy Burger
A Hearty, Smoky, Flavor-Packed Grilled Masterpiece
When it comes to grilling icons, nothing stands taller or more flavorful than the Cowboy Burger—a towering stack of bold, smoky, crunchy, and juicy components that bring the spirit of a backyard cookout to every bite. This isn’t just another cheeseburger—it’s an all-out tribute to American BBQ culture. With crispy onion rings, melty cheddar, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and a perfectly grilled beef patty on a toasted bun, the Cowboy Burger is the ultimate indulgence for burger lovers and BBQ fans alike.
Whether you’re firing up the grill on game day or cooking indoors for a weekend treat, this recipe delivers everything: flavor, texture, and presentation. It’s satisfying, loaded with bold ingredients, and surprisingly simple to make with the right technique.
Overview of Cowboy Burger
The Cowboy Burger is a robust, Western-style burger known for its smoky flavor, crispy textures, and bold toppings. The star of the show is a juicy grilled beef patty, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, but elevated with layers of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, and fried onion rings. For added kick, jalapeños or chipotle mayo can be added. It’s hearty, satisfying, and absolutely perfect for cookouts, tailgates, or indulgent weekend lunches.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties (Makes 4 burgers):
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Onion Rings:
- 1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Toppings:
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 brioche or sesame burger buns, buttered and toasted
- 4 tbsp BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Optional: pickled jalapeños, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato
How To Make the Best Cowboy Burger
Step 1: Make the Onion Rings
Soak onion slices in buttermilk for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Dredge soaked onions in the flour mixture, coating well. Fry in small batches until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy, about 4–6 minutes. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
Step 3: Shape and Grill the Patties
Form ground beef into 4 equal patties, about ¾-inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Grill over medium-high heat (or cook in a cast-iron skillet) for 4–5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Add cheddar cheese slices during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Butter the insides of each burger bun. Toast on the grill or skillet until golden brown—about 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Cowboy Burgers
Spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom bun. Add the cheesy burger patty, then top with crispy bacon slices, 1–2 onion rings, optional jalapeños, and additional BBQ sauce if desired. Add any extras like lettuce or tomato, then cap it with the toasted top bun.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4 burgers
Nutrition Information (Per Burger)
- Calories: ~820
- Protein: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Burger
- Use 80/20 beef: This ensures juiciness and flavor without drying out.
- Make onion rings fresh: Store-bought is fine in a pinch, but fresh adds unbeatable crunch.
- Balance textures: The creamy BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and crunchy onions are all about contrast.
- Add heat: Jalapeños or chipotle mayo elevate the burger with a spicy kick.
- Double stack: For a monster version, add a second patty and extra toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cowboy Burgers with:
- Sweet potato fries or thick-cut steak fries
- Coleslaw or grilled corn on the cob
- A cold lager or iced tea
- Pickles, dill spears, or spicy pickled okra on the side
Brief Recipe Card
Best Cowboy Burger Recipe
Smoky, cheesy, crispy, and bold—this cowboy burger is stacked with flavor.
Ingredients:
Ground beef, cheddar, bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce, brioche buns.
Method:
- Make onion rings (buttermilk soak, flour coat, fry).
- Cook bacon until crispy.
- Shape and grill patties, melt cheese.
- Toast buns.
- Assemble: BBQ sauce, patty, bacon, onion rings, optional jalapeños, bun.
Time: 55 mins | Serves: 4 | Calories: ~820 per serving
