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  1. Midwest Living
  2. Food
  3. Beef
  4. Take Your Burger to the Next Level

Take Your Burger to the Next Level

By Midwest Living editors Updated May 27, 2023
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Good Afternoon Burger
Credit: Kelsey Hansen

Looking for a new twist on a classic hamburger? Our easy-to-make mix-ins, fillings, and relishes will punch up the flavor in any burger.

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Good Afternoon Burger

Good Afternoon Burger
Credit: Kelsey Hansen
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This recipe comes from Mustard Seed Kitchen in Chicago, where chef Erick Williams serves thick, juicy and grilled burgers that remind him of his childhood. Don't skimp on the pickle mayo—it's a keeper.

Related: Grill Your Biggest, Best Burger Yet with Chicago Chef Erick Williams

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Summertime Smashed Burgers

Summertime Smashed Burgers
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Break the cardinal rule of grilling—don't press the patties!—with this diner-style smash burger, made on the grill in a cast-iron griddle or skillet. The recipe comes from Weber's Ultimate Grilling, by the grill company's resident chef, Jamie Purviance.

Related: How to Season, Cook With and Clean Cast-Iron Pans

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Lamb Burgers with Romesco

Lamb Burgers with Romesco
Credit: Carson Downing
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Romesco is a garlicky Spanish sauce made of almonds, tomato and roasted red peppers. Here, it takes the place of ketchup on a spiced lamb burger topped with goat cheese. (Note: You can definitely make this burger with ground beef if you aren't a fan of lamb.)

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Old Bay Burger

Old Bay Burger
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This tasty burger is essentially a tender fish cake on a bun. The key is grinding or chopping the fish enough to hold together—but not so finely that it becomes mealy. 

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Juicy Lucy Burger

Juicy Lucy Burger
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Southside Minneapolis is home to this three-napkin burger famous for its molten cheese center. 

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Brioche Hamburger Buns

Brioche Hamburger Buns
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It's impossible to beat a burger served on a soft, pillowy brioche bun. This recipe (from Hewn bakery in Evanston, Illinois) makes a big batch, so you can keep a stash in the freezer for several meals.

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Greek Burgers

Greek Burgers
Credit: Blaine Moats
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After searing a burger on cast iron (and tasting the crust that develops), you may never grill burgers outside again. We topped ours with herby veggies and feta cheese.

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Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burgers
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Bring along extra toppers inspired by pizza-parlor classics: thinly sliced sweet peppers and onion, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, jarred banana peppers or sliced olives.

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Quick Pickle Ribbons

Quick Pickle Ribbons
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Try this easy, crunchy topper on sliders, hamburgers or hot dogs. 

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Rosemary Lamb Burgers

Rosemary Lamb Burgers
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This lamb burger explodes with flavor: aromatic herbs, tangy lemon mayo, sweet grilled onion. We love lamb's earthy flavor, but if you aren't sure your family or friends will agree, use a 50-50 blend of beef and lamb. Or seek out American-raised lamb, which is more mild than meat imported from New Zealand.

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Barbecue-Sauced Burgers

Barbecue-Sauced Burgers
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Horseradish mustard adds a kick to grilled burgers, while barbecue sauce and white Cheddar cheese create a flavorful topping combo.

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Starker's Bacon and Cheese Curd Burger

Starker's Bacon and Cheese Curd Burger
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Sugared bacon and melting cheese curds or string cheese make a mouthwatering filling for these behemoth burgers. 

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Chipotle Mayonnaise

Chipotle Mayonnaise
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Add kick to your burgers or sandwiches with this quick four-ingredient condiment.

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Smoky Apple Barbecue Sauce

Smoky Apple Barbecue Sauce
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Brush this super-easy sauce on burger patties, chicken or other meats for a punch of smoky flavor.

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Turkey-Day Burger

Turkey-Day Burger
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Imagine a holiday leftover sandwich, in burger form—sage-flavored turkey burger on a potato bun, topped with tangy cranberry sauce and crisp apple. And on the side? Sweet potato fries, naturally.

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Grilled Portobellos

Grilled Portobellos
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This simple, flavorful recipe comes from reader Doug Heiken of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. It's a quick, easy recipe to throw together if you have a vegetarian at a cookout.

Related: Fast-and-Easy Grilling Recipes

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Jen's White Burger

Jen’s White Burger
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This sandwich looks a bit plain, but appearances can be deceiving. It's packed with flavor. Mustard, herbs and lemon zest season the meat, which is topped with wine-poached pears, sharp cheddar and pepper jelly. 

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Turkey Burgers with Poblano Pesto Aioli

Turkey Burgers with Poblano Pesto Aioli
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Start with ground turkey for this tall burger that offers big flavor from curry powder, garlic, red onion and jalapeno pepper. A cool and creamy aioli tops the grilled sandwich. 

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House-Made Burger with Pimiento Cheese

House-Made Burger with Pimiento Cheese
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Top burgers with a spoonful of homemade pimiento cheese, or stuff the burgers with cheese before grilling. The recipe also gives an alternative for grinding your own burgers from hanger steaks.

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Home on the Range Burger

Home on the Range Burger
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Our light-as-a-summer-breeze cantaloupe-strawberry relish contrasts with a brawny bison burger full of chopped apple and jerk seasoning. To keep it from getting too cute, we slapped it on Texas toast.

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Double-Beef Burgers

Double-Beef Burgers
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Irish flavors infuse this burger recipe, which calls for mixing corned beef, cabbage, and caraway seeds into ground beef. Serve with grilled onions and spicy horseradish mustard.

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    1 of 21 Good Afternoon Burger
    2 of 21 Summertime Smashed Burgers
    3 of 21 Lamb Burgers with Romesco
    4 of 21 Old Bay Burger
    5 of 21 Juicy Lucy Burger
    6 of 21 Brioche Hamburger Buns
    7 of 21 Greek Burgers
    8 of 21 Pizza Burgers
    9 of 21 Quick Pickle Ribbons
    10 of 21 Rosemary Lamb Burgers
    11 of 21 Barbecue-Sauced Burgers
    12 of 21 Starker's Bacon and Cheese Curd Burger
    13 of 21 Chipotle Mayonnaise
    14 of 21 Smoky Apple Barbecue Sauce
    15 of 21 Turkey-Day Burger
    16 of 21 Grilled Portobellos
    17 of 21 Jen's White Burger
    18 of 21 Turkey Burgers with Poblano Pesto Aioli
    19 of 21 House-Made Burger with Pimiento Cheese
    20 of 21 Home on the Range Burger
    21 of 21 Double-Beef Burgers

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