Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 sesame seed burger buns
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) molasses
  • 1 tsp (5ml) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) chili powder
  • 4 cups (approx. 400g) shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) crumbled blue cheese (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

  1. Make the BBQ Sauce: Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Blue Cheese Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Make the Crispy Fried Onions: Toss onion slices with flour and salt. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry onions in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
  5. Cook the Burgers: Grill or pan-fry the burger patties to your desired doneness (use a meat thermometer to ensure safety – 160°F/71°C for medium). Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking, if using.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cooked burger patty on top. Add a generous scoop of blue cheese slaw and a pile of crispy fried onions. Top with the other half of the bun.
  7. Serve immediately: Bask in the adoration of your family and friends for this 4th of july burger.