Inspired by the bold flavors of a classic Bloody Mary, this burger packs a punch with dry-aged beef, tangy steak sauce, and an irresistible "Impossible Secret Sauce." Topped with marinated heirloom tomatoes, thick-cut bacon, and served alongside briny pickled onions, this burger is a showstopper for any BBQ or special gathering. The secret sauce and cocktail onions add a playful twist reminiscent of the iconic cocktail, making this burger perfect for adventurous eaters who crave layers of bold, savory flavors. It's a burger experience that feels both familiar and surprising—guaranteed to impress.
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Prep Time 30 minutesmins
Cook Time 20 minutesmins
Total Time 50 minutesmins
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 48oz burgers
Calories 1698kcal
Equipment
1 small saucepan
1 Food Processor
1 Grill or grill pan
Ingredients
Burger Patties
2lbground beefdry-aged
2tspthymechopped
2tsprosemarychopped
8slicessmoked baconthick-cut applewood
8slicesheirloom tomato
1tspvinegarBanyuls
1tspolive oil
1tspsea salt
4brioche buns
black pepperFreshly ground
celery for garnish
Impossible Secret Sauce
½cupwater
¼cupgolden raisins
½cupbalsamic vinegaraged
¼cupWorcestershire sauce
¼cupketchup
½cupDijon mustarddivided
1pinchcayene pepper
¼tspblack pepper
2clovesgarliccut in half
2tbsponionchopped
½tspcelery seed
¼tspkosher salt
½orangecut in half
¼cupgreen olives
¼cupcapers
1cupaioli
Cocktail Onions
1lbonionsCippolini onions, peeled
1tspcoriander seed
1tspjuniper berries
1tspblack peppercorns
1tbspkosher salt
½orange peel
½lemon peel
2sprigsthymefresh
12ozwhite vinegar
8ozwater
½cupsugar
½cupdry vermouth
½cupvodka
Instructions
Impossible Secret Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine water, golden raisins, balsamic vinegar, worcestershire sauce, ketchup, dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic, onion, celery seed, and kosher salt. Squeeze in the orange juice and drop in the peels.
Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce starts to thicken, (about 20 minutes), pull out the orange rinds and allow the sauce to cool slightly. Blend in a food processor until smooth, add aioli, chopped green olives, capers, remaining 1/4 cup Dijon mustard and gently pulse until combined.
Pickle the "Cocktail" Onions
In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, spices, peels, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and pour over cippolini onions. Allow to cool completely then add vermouth and vodka to the onions and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Burger Patties and tomatoes
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Shape into 4 patties. Set aside.
Marinate the tomato slices in olive oil, Banyuls vinegar, and sea salt. Set aside.
Grill and Assemble Burgers
Grill the patties over medium-high heat for approx 3 minutes per side, brushing with steak sauce as they cook. Toast the brioche buns on the grill for 45 seconds, brushing with steak sauce and "secret" sauce. Layer each bun with bacon, marinated tomatoes, the grilled patty, and extra sauce.
Serve each burger with a pickled "cocktail" onion and fresh young celery for garnish.
Notes
The "Impossible Secret Sauce" burger adds a bold, tangy twist, perfect for BBQ lovers.
The cocktail onions are boozy, if serving kids omit onions.