Description
These Beef Cheeseburgers with Secret Sauce feature juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties topped with melted plant-based cheese and a creamy, tangy secret sauce (natural). Enhanced with fresh vegetables and optional smoked turkey bacon, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes for a satisfying and flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 4 plant-based cheese slices
- 4 soft sandwich buns
- 4–6 slices smoked turkey bacon (optional)
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 red or sweet onion slices
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
Secret Sauce (Natural)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (natural, plant-based)
- 2 tbsp ketchup (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (natural). Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender. Form four equal-sized patties, creating a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing up during cooking.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While prepping the patties, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels for later use as a topping.
- Grill the Patties: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. In the final minute, place a plant-based cheese slice on each patty and cover to melt the cheese perfectly.
- Make the Secret Sauce (Natural): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), ketchup (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of natural gelling agent until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the buns lightly. Spread a generous layer of secret sauce (natural) on both bun halves, then layer with lettuce, tomato, onion slices, the cheesy beef patty, and smoked turkey bacon if desired. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rest the meat a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Avoid squishing the patties while cooking to maintain texture.
- Add cheese near the end of cooking and cover briefly to melt evenly.
- Use fresh vegetables for crisp contrast and vibrant colors.
- Taste and adjust the secret sauce (natural) seasoning at the end to keep the balance just right.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: beef cheeseburger, plant-based cheese, secret sauce, grilled burger, smoked turkey bacon, quick recipe, juicy patties
