Are you ready to elevate your burger game? Forget dry, overcooked patties! This recipe shows you how to create juicy, smoky, incredibly flavorful burgers using your Traeger grill. It's a simple recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe delivers delicious, healthy meals with minimal fuss, making it a go-to for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your Traeger to 350°F (175°C). Let it reach temperature for optimal cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents flare-ups.
Prepare the Patties:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the burgers tough.
- Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your burger buns. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
Traeger Time:
- Place the patties on the preheated Traeger grill grates.
- Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium-well. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Remember that Traeger cooking times can vary slightly depending on your grill and the ambient temperature.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, add your favorite cheese slices (cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss) to the top of the burgers to allow it to melt.
Assemble and Serve:
- Remove the cooked burgers from the Traeger and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender burger.
- Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Traeger Burger Perfection:
- Don't press down on the patties while they're cooking: This squeezes out the juices, resulting in dry burgers.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Let the burgers rest: This crucial step helps retain moisture and flavor.
- Experiment with different seasonings: Try adding other spices like chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper for a unique flavor profile. This is where you can make the recipe truly your own.
Variations:
- Spicy Burgers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the patty mixture.
- Mushroom Swiss Burgers: Add sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for an earthy and savory burger.
- Bacon Cheeseburgers: Add crispy bacon to your burger for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This is always a crowd-pleaser!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on toppings and bun)
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy meal, but nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients.
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of homemade cooking methods. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the satisfying taste of perfectly grilled Traeger burgers! They're ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks, offering a simple yet flavorful experience. These easy-to-follow instructions make this a quick dinner idea that everyone will love. This burger recipe stands out as one of the best recipes for achieving juicy, smoky perfection.