Kansas City BBQ Brisket Burger

Ingredients:

For the brisket:

• 1 pound beef brisket
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the burger patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of cheddar or your preferred cheese

For assembling the burger:

• 4 burger buns
• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brisket:
   • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • Season the beef brisket generously with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the brisket on all sides until browned, then remove it from the pot and set it aside.
   • In the same pot, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic until softened.
   • Return the brisket to the pot and add beef broth (or water) until the brisket is about halfway submerged.
   • Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
   • Braise the brisket for about 3-4 hours or until it becomes tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
   • Once done, shred the brisket using forks and set it aside.
2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Set aside.
3. Make the Burger Patties:
   • In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
   • Divide the seasoned beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, making them slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking.
   • Grill the patties on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Add a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Spread a generous amount of the prepared BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each burger bun.
   • Place a lettuce leaf on top of the sauce to create a base for the burger.
   • Add a grilled beef patty with melted cheese on top of the lettuce.
   • Pile shredded brisket on top of the patty.
   • Add sliced tomatoes, red onions, and pickles if desired.
   • Place the top half of the bun over the toppings.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Kansas City BBQ Brisket Burgers immediately, allowing everyone to relish the rich, smoky flavors of the brisket and barbecue sauce.
   • These burgers pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a complete Kansas City BBQ experience.

Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of brisket and barbecue sauce in this Kansas City BBQ Brisket Burger!