September 16: A Burger for Brad: Barbecue Burger Deluxe

1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red onion, half finely chopped, half thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon grill seasoning, such as McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning
   Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1/2 pound Cheddar cheese, sliced
4 crusty rolls, plain or onion flavor, split and toasted

TOPPINGS
   Leaf lettuce
   Sliced beefsteak tomatoes
1 cup steak sauce, such as A.1.

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat.

Place the beef in a bowl with the garlic and the finely chopped onions. In a small bowl, mix the liquid smoke, Worcestershire, hot sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, and grill seasoning. Pour the mixture over the meat and add a drizzle of EVOO.

Combine the ingredients and form 4 1-inch-thick patties. Cook for 5 minutes on each side.

Top with the cheese and let it melt during the last minute or two of cooking. Place the meat on the toasted roll bottoms and top with lettuce, tomato, and the thinly sliced red onions. Pour steak sauce on the roll tops and set into place. Serve the burgers with fancy chips.

4 SERVINGS

This is a very delicious burger. I like how the barbecue sauce is in the inside of it. Here is what Rachael Ray says: "Brad is one of my husband John's closest friends and fast becoming one of mine. He makes any situation into a party. He also claims to make the best burgers. Being Queen of burgers, I have taken him to task on this, but he never gives up the recipe. This is a tribute burger, for Brad.

Brad loves to make burgers with condiments mixed into them. This one tastes like it's made with spicy barbecue sauce and it's topped with beefy steak sauce. It's very Brad. Serve with fancy flavored potato chips, any brand."

I didn't change anything in this recipe. I just enjoy it as it is. :)