Kellymac's Cowboy Burgers

Sink your teeth into Kellymac's Cowboy Burgers, a bold and flavorful take on the classic burger that's perfect for any backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner. These juicy patties, made from a seasoned 80/20 ground beef blend and a hint of optional liquid smoke, deliver a smoky, savory bite with every chew. Topped with melted cheddar, crispy thick-cut bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, crunchy fried onions, and optional spicy pickled jalapeños, each burger is a masterclass in layering textures and flavors. Served on golden-toasted buns, these burgers bring together the robust charm of cowboy-inspired cuisine with minimal prep and cook time—ready in under 40 minutes! Pair them with fries, coleslaw, or grilled veggies for a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.25 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
• 4 pieces thick-cut bacon strips
• 4 pieces burger buns
• 4 pieces cheddar cheese slices
• 0.25 cup BBQ sauce
• 0.5 cup crispy fried onions
• 0.25 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke (if using). Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties about 3/4-inch thick. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the bacon strips until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.

Step 4

Wipe the skillet clean or preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Add the burger patties to the skillet or grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Step 5

In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty to melt. Cover with a lid or tent with aluminum foil to speed up the melting process, if needed.

Step 6

Melt the butter in a clean skillet or on the grill top and lightly toast the burger buns until golden brown.

Step 7

Assemble the burgers: Spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then add the cheeseburger patty. Top with crispy bacon, fried onions, and pickled jalapeños (if using). Finish with the top half of the bun.

Step 8

Serve immediately with your favorite sides like fries, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(964.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2795.9

Total Fat 191.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 547.6mg	0%
Sodium 6293.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 23.8g
Protein 141.8g	0%

Vitamin D 46.4IU	0%
Calcium 1106.1mg	0%
Iron 13.9mg	0%
Potassium 1857.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.5%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 16.9%