Applewood BBQ Burgers: A Smoky Backyard Classic

I can still picture it: the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the lawn, the comforting scent of applewood smoke swirling in the air, and the sizzle of burgers on the grill. My grandfather, a man of few words but immense culinary wisdom, taught me the secret to these unforgettable Applewood BBQ Burgers. It wasn’t just the ingredients; it was the love and patience he poured into every step, a tradition I’m honored to share with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 burgers
• Dietary Type: Not specified, typically contains gluten and dairy depending on bun and BBQ sauce choices

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (7/8 ounce) package McCormick® Grill Mates® Smoky Applewood Steakhouse Burgers Seasoning Mix
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 hamburger buns
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Equipment Needed

• Grill
• Grill basket or grill rack (optional, for vegetables)
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Thermometer

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef and the entire package of McCormick® Grill Mates® Smoky Applewood Steakhouse Burgers Seasoning Mix. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers. Use your hands to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the meat.

2. Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burgers from bulging in the middle as they cook.

3. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with a thin layer of gray ash. For a gas grill, preheat with the lid closed for at least 10 minutes.

4. While the grill is preheating, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and red bell pepper.

5. Place the burger patties directly on the grill grates. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160ºF (71°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty to ensure accuracy. Don’t press down on the burgers while they’re cooking, as this will squeeze out the juices and make them dry.

6. If using a grill basket or grill rack, add the thinly sliced onion and red bell pepper to the basket or rack. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. If you don’t have a basket, you can place the vegetables directly on the grill grates, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.

7. Once the burgers are cooked to your liking and the vegetables are grilled, remove them from the grill. Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for the last minute or two of cooking time, if desired. This adds a nice textural element.

8. To assemble the burgers, spread about 1 tablespoon of your favorite barbecue sauce on the bottom bun. Place a cooked burger patty on top of the sauce.

9. Top the burger with the grilled onions and red bell peppers.

10. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overwork the meat: Overmixing the ground beef will result in tough, dry burgers. Mix just until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
• Temperature is key: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Customize your seasoning: Feel free to add other spices to the ground beef mixture, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Cheese, please: Add a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all great choices) to the burgers during the last minute of grilling.
• Charcoal vs. Gas: For a more intense smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill and add a handful of applewood chips to the coals. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the grill to prevent them from burning too quickly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Applewood BBQ Burgers immediately for the best flavor and texture. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries.

Leftover cooked burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in the microwave. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet or oven to prevent the burgers from drying out during reheating. Avoid leaving cooked burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

While freezing cooked burgers is possible, it can affect the texture. If you choose to freeze them, wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	359.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	33%
Total Fat	13.3 g	20%
Saturated Fat	5.1 g	25%
Cholesterol	73.7 mg	24%
Sodium	415 mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	30.6 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	8.7 g	N/A
Protein	27.2 g	54%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Turkey Burgers: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Veggie Burgers: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade veggie burgers for a vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free hamburger buns and gluten-free barbecue sauce for a gluten-free meal.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a slice of grilled pineapple to the burger for a sweet and savory twist.
• Different Cheese: Try different cheeses like swiss, provolone, or blue cheese.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Q: What is the best way to prevent burgers from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the burgers on the grill. You can also brush the burgers with a little oil before grilling.

Q: Can I use a different type of seasoning mix?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasoning mixes to find your favorite flavor combination. The McCormick Grill Mates line offers a variety of options.

Q: How do I know when the burgers are done?
A: The best way to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty. The burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Q: What if I don’t have a grill basket for the vegetables?
A: If you don’t have a grill basket, you can place the vegetables directly on the grill grates, but be sure to watch them carefully to prevent burning. You can also use a cast-iron skillet on the grill to cook the vegetables.

Final Thoughts

These Applewood BBQ Burgers are more than just a meal; they’re a taste of summer, a memory of family, and a celebration of simple, delicious flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create your own signature burger. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and create your own unforgettable burger moments. And please, let me know what you think – I’m always excited to hear how others make this recipe their own!