How to Make Smoked Burgers on a Traeger Grill with Homemade Ketchup

This blog post from Traeger Grills presents a delicious recipe for BBQ smoked burgers topped with homemade ketchup. The burgers are made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection using a Traeger grill.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1 heirloom tomato, sliced
• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Traeger Homemade Smoked Ketchup

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal 8-ounce portions, shape into patties, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the Grill: Set the Traeger grill temperature to 500°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
3. Grill the Patties: Place patties on grill grates, cook for 6 minutes, flip, then reduce temperature to 195°F. Use Super Smoke if available, cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F, top with cheese, and toast buns.
4. Assemble and Serve: Place patties on buns with onion, tomato, lettuce, and homemade ketchup.

Smoked Burgers and Homemade Ketchup

There’s something inherently satisfying about a well-crafted burger. The combination of smoky flavors, juicy beef, and fresh toppings creates a culinary experience that’s hard to beat. At the heart of this delectable delight is the method of preparation, and with a Traeger grill, you can transform a simple burger into a gourmet masterpiece.

Ingredients Matter:

The journey to the perfect smoked burger starts with quality ingredients. Opt for 2 pounds of ground beef with a good fat content – this ensures the patties remain juicy and flavorful. Seasoning is simple but crucial: kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Complement these with slices of sharp cheddar cheese, fresh heirloom tomatoes, crisp iceberg lettuce, and the tangy sweetness of homemade smoked ketchup.

Crafting the Perfect Patty:

The key to a great burger lies in the patty preparation. Divide the ground beef into four 8-ounce portions and shape them into patties with a diameter of about 4 inches and a thickness of 3/4 inch. Wetting your hands with cold water prevents the meat from sticking and helps in forming uniform patties. Remember, the less you handle the meat, the more tender your burgers will be.

Mastering the Grill:

Preheating your Traeger grill to 500°F is essential for achieving that perfect sear. Place the patties directly on the grill grates and cook with the lid closed to infuse the beef with a smoky flavor. After 6 minutes, flip the patties and reduce the temperature to 195°F, allowing them to cook slowly and evenly. If your grill has a Super Smoke option, use it to enhance the smoky essence. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and toast the buns on the grill.

Building the Burger:

Once your patties are perfectly cooked, it's time to assemble the burger. Place the cheesy patties on toasted buns and layer them with slices of red onion, heirloom tomato, and shredded iceberg lettuce. The crowning glory is the homemade smoked ketchup – a blend of rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors that elevate the burger to new heights.

Conclusion:

Creating the perfect BBQ smoked burger is an art form that combines quality ingredients, precise grilling techniques, and the right toppings. With this recipe, you can enjoy a gourmet burger experience right in your backyard. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a delicious meal, these smoked burgers with homemade ketchup are sure to impress. So fire up your Traeger grill and savor the rich, smoky flavors of a perfectly cooked burger.