Campfire Cheesy BBQ Burger
Imagine this: it’s a beautiful evening, the sun is setting, and the air is filled with the tantalizing scent of a BBQ going strong. You gather around a crackling campfire with friends or family, laughter fills the air, and you’re about to serve the ultimate campfire delight—your very own Campfire Cheesy BBQ Burger. This hearty burger is not only packed with flavor but also treks the fine line between comfort food and outdoor adventure.
Mastering the art of the Campfire Cheesy BBQ Burger combines tender beef, savory sausage, and a melty cheese surprise that will make your taste buds tingle in delight. You won’t regret trading in your regular burgers for this spectacular version. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Campfire Cheesy BBQ Burger is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The blend of ground beef and breakfast sausage creates an irresistible juicy burger, and the addition of your favorite BBQ sauce envelops each bite in a smoky sweetness. The shredded cheddar cheese adds that perfect gooeyness, making each burger an unforgettable treat. Plus, it’s simple enough for even novice grillers to master, allowing you to focus on making memories instead of stressing about the cooking. Whether you’re at a campsite, in your backyard, or having a picnic, these burgers bring everyone together.
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, peeled, ends removed, and cut into quarters
- ½ yellow onion, peeled and root removed
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 3 pounds ground beef
- ½ pound breakfast sausage
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
How To Make Campfire Cheesy BBQ Burger
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Start by prepping your carrot, onion, and garlic. Take your 1 cup of carrots and cut them into quarters, then do the same with the yellow onion, chopping it into pieces. Finally, mince the garlic clove. These lovely aromatics will enhance the flavor profile of your burgers immensely.
Step 2: Combine the Meat
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 pounds of ground beef and ½ pound of breakfast sausage. Make sure to mix them together thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution. This combination of meats adds a depth of flavor that you won’t find in a traditional burger.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Now it’s time to add your seasonings! Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Create the Patties
Divide your meat mixture into equal portions to form patties. Depending on how large you want them, you can make about eight to ten patties. Aim for about ½ inch thickness for juicy burgers that cook perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Burger Filling
Take one patty and make a slight indentation in the center. Place a small spoonful of shredded cheddar cheese in that indentation, then cover it with another patty, sealing the cheese inside. It will melt beautifully during cooking.
Step 6: Prepare for Cooking
Get your campfire or grill ready for cooking. If using a campfire, place a grill grate above the flames. Ensure the flames have died down a little so you have consistent heat without direct flames scorching your burgers.
Step 7: Cook the Burgers
Place the assembled burgers on the grill grates and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your patties and the heat of your grill. You want them cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for food safety.
Step 8: Add the BBQ Sauce
In the final minutes of cooking, generously brush your favorite BBQ sauce over the burgers, allowing it to caramelize slightly for added flavor.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once fully cooked, remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm on a bun with your favorite toppings. We recommend some fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or even some extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!
Expert Tips
- For an added crunch, consider grilling some bacon to place on top of your burger.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro in your meat mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; let the patties develop a nice crust on the outside for better texture.
- If outdoor cooking isn’t an option, these can be made on a stovetop grill pan as well!
Variations and Customizations
- For spicier burgers, mix in some diced jalapeños or add a touch of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Try different types of cheese such as pepper jack or gouda for varied flavors.
- Make it low-carb by substituting the bun with lettuce wraps or portobello mushrooms.
- Add toppings like avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or pickles based on your flavor preferences.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with such a tasty burger), allow the burgers to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the grill for that smoky flavor or in a microwave if you’re in a rush. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level before consuming.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great alternative, but keep in mind it will have a different flavor and may need a little more seasoning to compensate for its lean nature.
What’s the best way to prevent the burgers from falling apart on the grill?
Make sure your ground meat is well mixed and that you form the patties with a firm grip. Additionally, don’t flip them too soon; let them develop a crust before attempting to turn them.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the patties a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with these burgers?
Some delicious side dishes include coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. These pair beautifully with the smoky flavor of the burgers and create a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Campfire Cheesy BBQ Burger is a testament to the joys of cooking outdoors and brings the taste of home to your summer evenings by the fire. With its succulent blend of beef and sausage, gooey cheese, and smoky BBQ sauce, every bite offers a burst of flavor that’s perfectly aligned with the laid-back atmosphere of enjoying life outdoors. Whether you are camping under the stars or having a backyard BBQ, this recipe is destined to become a favorite among your friends and family. So grab your ingredients, gather around the fire, and get ready for a deliciously memorable meal!

Campfire Cheesy BBQ Burger
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, peeled, cut into quarters
- ½ medium yellow onion, peeled
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
Meat
- 3 pounds ground beef
- ½ pound breakfast sausage
Cheese and Sauce
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your veggies. Cut carrots into quarters, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Step 2: Combine the meat. In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef and breakfast sausage thoroughly.
- Step 3: Season the meat. Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to the meat mixture and mix well.
- Step 4: Create the patties. Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and form patties about ½ inch thick.
- Step 5: Assemble the burger filling. Make an indentation in the center of each patty, add cheese, and cover with another patty.
- Step 6: Prepare for cooking. Set up your campfire or grill and ensure consistent heat.
- Step 7: Cook the burgers. Grill patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Step 8: Add the BBQ sauce. Brush BBQ sauce over the burgers in the last minutes of cooking.
- Step 9: Serve and enjoy. Let burgers rest, then serve warm on buns with your favorite toppings.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Grill