How to Make Perfect Traeger Smoked Burgers: Step-by-Step Recipe
Overview:
This blog post from Traeger Grills provides a comprehensive guide to making delicious smoked burgers. The recipe emphasizes using a pellet grill for optimal flavor and includes detailed steps and ingredient recommendations.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Traeger Beef Rub
- Buns for serving
- Toppings of choice for serving
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Patties:
- In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and Traeger Beef Rub. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the beef mixture into 8 patties.
-
Preheat the Grill:
- Set the Traeger grill to 180℉ and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Use the Super Smoke setting for enhanced flavor if available.
-
Smoke the Patties:
- Place the patties directly on the grill grates.
- Close the lid and smoke for 2 hours at 180℉.
-
Serve:
- Remove the burgers from the grill.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Additional Tips:
- The post emphasizes that the best burgers are made on a wood pellet grill, not on gas or charcoal.
- It also provides links to purchase Mesquite BBQ Wood Pellets and Traeger Beef Rub, which are recommended for this recipe.
BBQ with Perfectly Smoked Burgers
When it comes to backyard barbecues, few things are more satisfying than a juicy, flavorful burger. For those looking to elevate their grilling game, smoked burgers offer a delicious twist on the classic. Using a pellet grill, such as a Traeger, ensures that your burgers are not only cooked to perfection but infused with a rich, smoky flavor that will leave your guests raving.
Why Smoke Your Burgers?
Smoking burgers allows for a slower cooking process that enhances the natural flavors of the beef. The smoke infuses the meat with a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with traditional grilling methods. Using wood pellets, such as mesquite, adds a unique taste that complements the richness of the ground beef.
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking Burgers
1. Choosing the Right Beef: Start with high-quality ground beef. An 80/20 blend of meat to fat is ideal for juicy burgers that don’t dry out during the smoking process.
2. Seasoning: Simple yet flavorful seasoning is key. Mix your ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and a beef rub. Traeger’s Beef Rub is a great option, offering a balanced mix of spices that enhance the beef's natural flavors without overpowering them.
3. Forming the Patties: Handle the meat gently to avoid compacting it too much, which can lead to tough burgers. Form the mixture into even patties, making a small indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
4. Preparing the Grill: Preheat your pellet grill to 180℉. If your grill has a Super Smoke feature, use it to maximize the smoky flavor. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15 minutes with the lid closed.
5. Smoking the Burgers: Place the patties directly on the grill grates and smoke for about 2 hours. The low and slow cooking method will render the fat and infuse the meat with smoke, resulting in incredibly juicy burgers.
6. Serving: Serve the smoked burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Classic options include lettuce, tomato, pickles, and cheese, but feel free to get creative with avocado, bacon, or even a fried egg.
Tips for Success:
- Patience is Key: Smoking takes longer than grilling, but the result is well worth the wait.
- Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers reach an internal temperature of 160℉ for safe consumption.
- Experiment with Pellets: Different wood pellets, such as hickory or apple, can offer new and exciting flavors.
Conclusion:
Smoking burgers on a pellet grill like a Traeger transforms a simple meal into a gourmet experience. With a few key ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create mouth-watering burgers that are sure to become a highlight of your BBQs. So next time you fire up the grill, skip the gas and charcoal and reach for the wood pellets—you won’t be disappointed.
