The Big Burger from Back Yard Burgers features a juicy, flame-grilled beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a soft toasted bun, delivering a classic American burger experience with bold and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or charbroiler
- Grill spatula
- Cheese slicer or pre-sliced cheddar cheese
- Vegetable slicer or chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or grill for buns
- Tongs
- Assembly tray or prep table
- Food thermometer
- Serving plate or burger wrapper
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato
- 1 small onion
- 12 pickle slices
- Salt
- Black pepper
Ensure you use fresh ground beef with at least 80% lean content to achieve the perfect juicy and flavorful patty for The Big Burger. Choose sharp cheddar cheese slices for that distinct melted texture and taste, and slice vegetables like tomatoes and onions evenly to maintain burger balance. Use soft, toasted hamburger buns to complement the hearty ingredients without overpowering the sandwich. Season the beef patties with salt and black pepper just before grilling to lock in the bold, savory flavors. Your homemade The Big Burger from Back Yard Burgers copycat menu will capture the classic American taste with these carefully selected ingredients and preparation tips.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or charbroiler.
- Portion the ground beef into 4 equal patties.
- Season both sides of patties with salt and black pepper.
- Slice tomato and onion using a vegetable slicer or chef’s knife.
- Slice the cheddar cheese if using a cheese slicer.
- Toast the hamburger buns on a toaster or grill until lightly golden.
- Grill beef patties on medium-high heat until cooked to desired doneness, using a food thermometer.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of grilling to melt.
- Remove patties from the grill using tongs or a spatula.
- Assemble each burger: bottom bun, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, cheeseburger patty, onion slices, pickles, top bun.
- Place assembled burger on a serving plate or wrap in a burger wrapper.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Big Burger from Back Yard Burgers copycat menu offers flexibility when it comes to ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences or ingredient availability. If ground beef is not available, ground turkey or plant-based beef alternatives can be used while maintaining a juicy texture on the grill or charbroiler. For cheese, any type of melty cheese like American or pepper jack can replace cheddar to add a different flavor profile. When fresh lettuce or tomato isn't on hand, crisp cabbage or roasted red peppers make excellent alternatives to keep the burger fresh and vibrant. Your cooking process can be enhanced by monitoring internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure safe doneness while preserving juiciness.
Tips
Ensure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat before placing the beef patties to achieve a perfect sear without undercooking. Use a food thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC), meeting safety standards for ground beef. Lightly toasting the buns not only adds texture but prevents sogginess from the juicy toppings, enhancing overall burger structure. Remember to melt the cheddar cheese in the final minute on the grill for optimal flavor and melt quality.
Nutritions
The Big Burger from Back Yard Burgers contains approximately 680 calories per serving, primarily from the 1 lb of ground beef and four slices of cheddar cheese, which provide a rich source of protein and saturated fats. Each burger offers around 40 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, along with dietary fats contributing to energy needs. The fresh vegetables--lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles--add fiber, vitamins such as vitamin C and K, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immune health. Your meal balance improves with the inclusion of whole ingredients, but be mindful of sodium content from added salt and pickles for heart health.
Storage
Store leftover Big Burgers by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and flavor. Refrigerate promptly at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. When reheating, use a microwave or oven until the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) to ensure safe consumption.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try swapping the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Swiss to introduce different flavor profiles. For a healthier twist, substitute lettuce with arugula or baby spinach and use whole wheat buns instead of white buns. Season the beef patties with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory taste. Consider cooking the onions on the grill for a sweeter, caramelized texture before assembling your burger.
Allergies
Your Big Burger from Back Yard Burgers contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the hamburger buns. The beef patty, while generally safe, may cause reactions for individuals with beef allergies. Cross-contamination with other allergens could occur during preparation, so it's important to inform the staff about any food sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
The Big Burger from Back Yard Burgers boasts a juicy, flame-grilled patty topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crispy onions, and melty cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients and generous portion size that provide satisfying and hearty meals. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic taste in your own kitchen, saving money while enjoying a restaurant-quality burger anytime. Your homemade Big Burger can be customized to suit personal preferences, making it a versatile and rewarding culinary project.