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:
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
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Level up your burger game with this Cowboy Butter Burger recipe – rich and deeply flavored, the butter will take your humble burger to another level.
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Servings: 4
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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