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Red, White and Blue Burgers on the Pitbarrel Cooker

Author: Robyn

Ingredients

Burger

  • 2 lbs ground chuck roast 80% lean, 20% fat
  • 8 oz. blue cheese crumbled
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 5 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. smoked salt
  • 1 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Suggested Toppings

  • 1 bag red mini bell peppers or 2-3 full-size red bell peppers
  • 1 heirloom tomato sliced
  • 3-4 handfuls of arugula
  • 8 onion rolls
  • Mayo to taste
  • Bacon jam to taste (see recipe below)

Bacon Jam

  • 12 oz. 1 packet sliced bacon
  • 1 medium sized onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ⅛ cup agave syrup
  • ⅓ cup brewed coffee
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 dash curry powder
  • 1 dash nutmeg optional
  • 1 tbsp. bourbon optional

Instructions

Burgers

  •  Combine the ground beef, blue cheese, Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic, salt and pepper. 
  • Create 8 patties (these are 1/4lb burgers), leaving an indentation in the middle with your thumb so they cook evenly on the grill.
  •  Prepare your grill for direct heat. If using a standard charcoal or gas grill, prepare to cook over the flame / heat source.
  • Cook the burgers, flipping midway through, until you’ve reached your desired internal temperature. I recommend using an internal read thermometer, like the Thermapen, to test internal temps so you’ll know when your meat is done.
  • While cooking the burgers, grill the peppers directly on your grill grates until they have developed char marks on both sides.
  • Remove the burgers and peppers and let them rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, toast the buns for just a few minutes on the grill and go and slice up your peppers.
  • To assemble burgers, add one patty to a bottom bun. Add mayo (if using) grilled red peppers, then tomato and arugula. Spread one heaping tablespoon of warm bacon jam on the top bun, close the sandwich and serve.
  • Slow Cooker Bacon Jam 
  • You can make this delicious jam ahead of time and slather it on everything! Use it as an appetizer by adding a dollop to a cracker spread with goat cheese. If you’re making jam to give away or to use as an appetizer for a group, go ahead double this recipe.
  • Cut the bacon in small pieces and then cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon starts to crisp —  about 20 minutes. 
  • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and discard all except 1 Tablespoon of the bacon fat. Cook the onion and garlic until translucent, scraping up the crispy bits.
  • Remove the onion mix and add it to a crockpot. 
  • Add the remaining ingredients and let simmer for 2-3 hours on high, or until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
  • Once the mixture cools, pulse it in a food processor or with a hand blender until it forms a smooth, consistent, paste-like texture. 
  • Spoon the mixture into a jar or other airtight container,  and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

PRO TIP: For carb-conscious family members and guests, nothing beats a lettuce wrap. Just set out some iceberg lettuce along with your buns to add a skinny option to any of these burger recipes.
Note: This is a sponsored recipe post. I only endorse products I use and recommend!