Are you craving a juicy, flavorful burger that's bursting with sweet and smoky goodness? Look no further! This hamburger BBQ recipe with brown sugar is the perfect blend of classic barbecue flavors with a touch of unexpected sweetness. It's an easy recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade cooking creation! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes.
Ingredients:
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For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles)
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For the Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
Making the Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Making the Burgers:
- Gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough burgers.
- Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach your preferred internal temperature.
- Once cooked, brush the burgers generously with the brown sugar BBQ sauce.
Assembling the Burgers:
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly, if desired.
- Place the cooked burgers on the bottom halves of the buns.
- Top with your favorite toppings and the remaining BBQ sauce.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Burgers:
- Don't overwork the beef: Gently mix the ground beef to avoid tough burgers.
- Make an indentation: Creating a slight indentation in the center of the patties helps them cook evenly and prevents them from bulging.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Let the burgers rest: Allow the cooked burgers to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. This results in a more tender and flavorful burger.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
- Add some sweetness: Incorporate a teaspoon of molasses or maple syrup into the BBQ sauce for a deeper sweetness.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like bacon, cheese, caramelized onions, or avocado.
Nutritional Information (per burger, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe for delicious hamburgers with a homemade brown sugar BBQ sauce is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy! These quick dinner ideas are always a winner, offering a fantastic taste with minimal effort. They are undoubtedly some of the best recipes you'll find for easy, healthy meals.