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BBQ burger topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion rings on a white plate, garnished with herbs

Healthy and Delicious BBQ Burger Recipe

This BBQ burger recipe delivers a flavorful, healthier twist with juicy patties, homemade barbecue sauce, and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for any backyard barbecue or quick weeknight meal!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 6 hamburger buns, split

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, sugar, honey, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, liquid smoke, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Set aside 1 cup for serving.
  • In a large bowl, mix the egg, oats, 1/4 cup cooled barbecue sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, pepper, and salt. Crumble ground beef over the mixture and gently combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
  • Shape the mixture into six evenly-sized patties. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during grilling.
  • Grill on medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the last 5 minutes, baste the burgers with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce for that sticky, caramelized finish.
  • Serve the burgers on split buns, topped with any of your favorite additions like lettuce, tomato, onions, or avocado slices. Don’t forget a generous spoonful of the reserved barbecue sauce!

Notes

Optional recipe notes or tips.