Barbecue Burgers with a Carolina Twist

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup beer
• ¼ cup yellow mustard
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
• 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Step 1

Make the barbecue sauce: mix together the brown sugar, beer, mustard, and vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 to 17 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens and reduces to about half a cup.

Step 2

Shape the ground beef into four patties, each about half an inch thick. Grill them over medium heat—if you’re using charcoal, cook them on the grill grate over ash-covered coals; if you have a gas grill, keep it covered and set to medium. Cook the burgers for around 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach 160°F in the center.

Step 3

A couple of minutes before the burgers are done, pop the buns cut-side down on the grill to toast them lightly.

Step 4

To assemble, spread a tablespoon of the barbecue sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a burger on top, then pile on the cabbage. Spoon the remaining sauce over the cabbage and close the sandwiches. Enjoy!