Classic Western Burgers Recipes

CLASSIC WESTERN BURGERS

Steps:

• In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon, in batches if necessary, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. With tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool, break each slice in half.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, onion, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to blend. Add beef and bread crumbs and mix gently. Form into 10 equal patties, each about 4 1/2 inches wide.
• Brush onion slices lightly on both sides with bacon fat in pan. Discard remaining fat.
• Lay patties and onion slices on a barbecue grill over a solid bed of hot coals or high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook, turning meat and onions once to brown on both sides, until a thermometer inserted in center of thickest part of meat registers 160° (no longer pink in center), 6 to 8 minutes total.
• About 2 minutes before patties are done, top each with a slice of cheese. Also lay bun halves, cut side down, on grill and toast 1 to 2 minutes.
• Set bun bottoms on a platter or plates. With a wide spatula, transfer patties to bun bottoms. Top each with a grilled onion slice, 2 pieces of bacon, and a spoonful of special slaw. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover with bun tops.

THE PERFECT BASIC BURGER

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, salt and pepper. Place ground beef and bread crumbs into the mixture. With hands or a fork, mix until well blended. Form into 4 patties approximately 3/4 inch thick.
• Place patties on the prepared grill. Cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.

THE CLASSIC HAMBURGER

Steps:

• Heat gas or charcoal grill. Place meat in large bowl; pour Worcestershire sauce over beef and gently mix with hands. Divide meat into 4 very loose balls, then gently shape into patties 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and about 1/2 inch in diameter larger than your hamburger buns. Slightly press center of each patty.
• Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on 1 side of each patty. Place patties, seasoned side down, on grill over medium heat. Sprinkle top of each patty with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover grill; cook 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F.
• Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise and mustard.

WESTERN BURGERS

Steps:

• Dough:.
• Prepare dough by combining water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Let stand a few minutes.
• Add shortening and half of flour, blending well.
• Knead in the rest of the flour until you have a firm dough.
• Place in a covered, greased bowl and let rise while you prepare filling.
• Filling:.
• Brown hamburger meat with chopped onions. Drain fat.
• Add mustard, mayonnaise, cheese, salt and pepper; mix well.
• Set aside to cool.
• Prepare Burgers:.
• Roll out dough and cut rounds using a coffee can.
• Place 2 or 3 TBS meat mixture on top.
• Fold dough over and seal edges. You can stretch dough around meat to seal (dough does not break as pie dough does).
• Place on lightly greased cookie sheet and let rise 30 minutes or so. (Cover with a dish towel to keep crust from drying out.).
• Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned (less brown if you plan to freeze and bake later).