Yield: 3 longboy burgers

Western Long Boy Burgers

Western Long Boy Burgers

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean or a little less)
  • salt and pepper
  • 6 slices American cheese
  • 9 dill pickles
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce, or as desired
  • 6 - 9 thin slices of tomato
  • 6 strips crisp-cooked peppered bacon
  • your favorite barbecue sauce, (*I used sweet Baby Ray's Sweet 'n Spicy for this)
  • 3 long, soft Italian hoagie rolls, buttered or sprayed and toasted on the inside, or 3 - 6 hotdog buns for a smaller version

For Onion Rings:

  • 1 medium onion, sliced thickly, separate rings
  • 1 extra large egg, well beaten
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp. regular table salt
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp. regular table salt
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • oil for frying

Instructions

Make Onion Rings:

In small bowl, beat egg, set aside. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. In second medium bowl, whisk together Italian bread crumbs, regular salt, garlic powder and onion powder.

In large deep frying pan, heat oil to 350º - 375º. Toss onion slices in seasoned flour, then one at a time, dip into beaten egg coating, let excess drip off, and place into seasoned breadcrumbs. Pack on to stick and well coat. When all are coated, carefully add to hot oil and fry until deep golden. (About 4 - 5 minutes.) Remove to rack placed on top of a baking sheet, and pop into warm (200º F) oven to keep hot.

Make Burgers:

Divide hamburger into 3 equal portions. Press out on waxed paper until 1/2 - 1 inch larger all the way around than your hoagie rolls. Over medium high heat, heat cast iron griddle or frying pan.

Salt and pepper tops of burgers with a nice amount of salt and pepper, place seasoned side down onto hot griddle, and grill until browned on bottom. Season top side, flip and grill until almost done. Baste tops with barbecue sauce, top each with 2 slices cheese and grill until done. Remove to a platter or cutting board.

Spray or butter inside of hoagie rolls, place onto hot griddle and grill until toasted. Remove.

To Assemble:

toasted hoagie roll bottom

my homemade dill pickles (and/or my Cowboy Candy)

barbecued cheese burger

shredded lettuce, light sprinkle of salt & pepper

thinly sliced tomatoes, more salt & pepper

bacon strips

onion rings

more bbq sauce

toasted top bun

Slice on the bias, serve hot, and enjoy! (*Nice served with my homemade Barbecue French Fries!)