Description
Juicy, crusty burgers cooked on a flat-top griddle and topped with a homemade smoky BBQ sauce. This recipe allows you to feed a crowd quickly with minimal stress and cleanup.
Ingredients
- For the Smoky BBQ Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Burgers:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 slices cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and American)
- 8–10 slider buns or burger buns (e.g., brioche or potato rolls)
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Black pepper for seasoning
- Optional toppings: caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato
Instructions
- Mix the BBQ sauce ingredients (tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, water, salt, pepper) in a bowl until thick and dark red. Set aside.
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to high heat. Test readiness by sprinkling water; it should sizzle and dance. Spread a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (canola or vegetable) across the surface using tongs and a paper towel.
- Divide ground beef into 8-10 equal portions (6-8 oz each). Gently form into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing. Season both sides generously with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Place patties on the hot griddle. Do not touch for 3-4 minutes to allow a crust to form. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- When burgers are about 2 minutes from done (internal temp ~150°F), place a slice of cheese on each patty. Spoon a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the cheese.
- Move burgers to one side. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them butter-side down on the clean hot surface for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Assemble burgers on toasted buns with optional toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not press the burgers with the spatula as this squeezes out juices. Ensure the griddle is hot and oiled before adding meat to prevent sticking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure ground beef reaches 160°F. Toasting the buns creates a barrier against soggy sauce. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with sauce
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 38
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Labor Day, Blackstone grill, burgers, BBQ sauce, smoky BBQ sauce, griddle cooking, summer recipes, crowd-pleasing dinner, easy grilling