A Cowboy Butter Burger has a bold, delicious spread that instantly elevates the simple burger. The butter is packed with herbs, garlic, zesty lemon, and a hint of heat.
Whether you're grilling up burgers for a weekend cookout or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this butter is a game-changer. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and can be made ahead, making it super convenient.
If you like this recipe, I bet you'll love my Reuben Casserole, this Cilantro Lime Chicken, and my Gluten Free Pizza.
Ingredients
Round up these ingredients to make your Cowboy Butter Burger recipe:
- Unsalted butter: Softened to blend easily into a flavorful burger butter.
- Red onion (diced): Adds some sweetness and crunch to the butter mixture.
- Garlic (minced): I love to use fresh garlic rather than powered.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor with fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness.
- Dijon mustard: Offers tang and a hint of heat.
- Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness with acidity.
- Lemon zest: Adds fragrant citrus oil for extra zing.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a smoky, earthy kick.
- Red chili flakes: Introduces gentle heat; adjust to taste.
- Fresh chives: Delicate onion flavor and fresh color.
- Salt and black pepper: Season and balance the butter blend.
- Ground beef (80/20): Ideal fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning for the beef.
- American cheese: Classic melt and creamy texture.
- Kaiser rolls: Sturdy and slightly crusty, great for holding the burger.
- Ketchup and yellow mustard: Classic condiments for bold, tangy flavor.
- Iceberg lettuce (shredded): Adds crunch and freshness.
- Red onion (sliced): Sharp bite and color contrast.
- Pickle chips: Tangy, salty punch to cut through the richness.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Here is how to make my juicy cowboy butter burgers:
- Step 1: Add butter, red onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire, Dijon, lemon juice, zest, paprika, chili flakes, chives, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
- Step 2: Mix until well-combined.
- Step 3: Divide beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 oz each); shape into thin patties and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Cook patties in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side. Add cheese in the last 30 seconds to melt.
- Step 5: Toast buns until golden. Spread Cowboy Butter on the top buns.
- Step 6: Layer bottom buns with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, onion, and pickles. Stack two patties on each, top with bun, and serve immediately.
Hint: Use a large black skillet like this 15" cast iron skillet.I love the incredible flavor cooking in a skillet adds.
Substitutions
Here are three ingredient substitutions, including a veggie-friendly option:
- Ground beef (80/20): Substitute with plant-based ground meat (such as Beyond or Impossible) for a vegetarian option.
- American cheese: Swap with sharp cheddar or smoked Gouda.
- Kaiser rolls: Use brioche buns for a softer, slightly sweeter bite, or gluten-free burger buns if needed.
Variations
Play around with the flavors in my Cowboy Butter Burger:
- Spicy jalapeño burger: Add sliced fresh jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the patties for an extra kick. Mix a little hot sauce into the Cowboy Butter for more heat.
- BBQ bacon burger: Top patties with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Swap out mustard for a smoky BBQ spread.
- Mushroom Swiss veggie burger: Use grilled portobello mushrooms in place of beef patties. Add Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a dollop of garlic aioli.
See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)
Equipment
Here’s a basic list of equipment needed for this burger recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen scale for portioning patties.
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula (for flipping patties)
Storage
Store leftover cowboy butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or oven.
It's not recommended to store fully assembled burgers, as the buns will get soggy. Store the components separately and assemble just before serving.
Tip 1
For maximum flavor, make the Cowboy Butter a day ahead to let the ingredients meld—just bring it to room temperature before using.
Tip 2
Adjust the ingredients in the cowboy butter to your liking. Add more chili flakes for extra heat, or try different herbs like cilantro or dill.
Tip 3
For easier spreading, make sure the butter is softened. Microwaving in short bursts can help, but be careful not to melt it.
Tip 4
Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the patties to prevent sticking. A cast iron skillet works well for this recipe.
FAQ
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, just like you would in a skillet. Don’t forget to add the cheese in the final 30 seconds so it melts perfectly
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Ingredients
- For the Cowboy Butter
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- ⅛ cup red onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Zest of ½ a lemon
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes or more, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Burgers:
- 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 slices american cheese
- 4 kaiser rolls
- ketchup
- yellow mustard
- iceberg lettuce shredded
- red onion sliced
- pickle chips
Instructions
- Combine softened butter, red onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, chili flakes, and chives in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, about 3 ounces each. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Shape each portion into a thin patty. Season both sides of each patty with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Toast the cut sides of the hamburger buns until lightly golden. Spread the softened Cowboy Butter generously on the top buns.
- During the 30 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty to melt. Remove patties from skillet and allow to drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- Spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom buns. Add shredded lettuce, red onion slices, and pickle chips to the bottom buns.
- Place two cheeseburger patties on the bottom bun. Cover with the top bun and serve imm
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