Carolina BBQ Beef Burgers

Get ready to fire up the grill with these juicy, smoky burgers packed with tangy, Carolina-style BBQ flavors. They’re perfect for a casual cookout or a tasty weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients 0/7

1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner) ¼ cup packed brown sugar ¼ cup beer ¼ cup yellow mustard ¼ cup cider vinegar 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

These burgers combine smoky, tangy flavors with juicy beef, creating a mouthwatering meal. The Carolina BBQ sauce adds a unique twist that makes every bite delicious and memorable.

Tips For Best Results

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Let the patties rest a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy.
- Toast the buns lightly to add a nice crunch and prevent sogginess.

Step 1

Make the barbecue sauce: mix together the brown sugar, beer, mustard, and vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 to 17 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens and reduces to about half a cup.

Step 2

Gently shape the ground beef into four patties, each about half an inch thick. Grill them over medium heat—if you’re using charcoal, place the patties on the grill over medium, ash-covered coals; if you’re using a gas grill, just preheat it to medium. Cover and cook the burgers for 8 to 10 minutes on the charcoal grill or 7 to 9 minutes on the gas grill, turning them occasionally. You want to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 3

A couple of minutes before the burgers are done, pop the buns on the grill, cut side down, just until they get lightly toasted.

Step 4

To assemble, spread a tablespoon of the barbecue sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then add the burger. Pile on the cabbage evenly, spoon the remaining sauce over the top, and close the sandwiches. Enjoy!

Serving Tips

Serve with classic coleslaw or baked beans for a true Southern-style meal. Add pickles and sliced red onions for extra tang and crunch. A side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges pairs perfectly.

How To Keep It Fresh

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist. The BBQ sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.

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By Sophia Martinez

Kitchen Specialist

Sophia develops recipes that are quick, practical, and perfect for daily meals.