Best-Best Burger with Gourmet Slaw
A premium beef patty topped with a tangy slaw and crispy bacon for a gourmet burger experience. This american-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, cooked and crumbled bacon, small, finely chopped onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
- 4 slices, cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 whole grain buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
- 4 large leaves lettuce
- 2 medium, sliced tomato
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1 lb 85% lean ground beef, 4 crumbled bacon slices, 1 small finely chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Form into 4 patties, pressing a small indention in the center for even cooking.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until seared and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine 2 cups coleslaw mix, 1/2 cup grated carrots, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup dill pickle relish. Toss until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Toast 4 whole grain buns on the grill. Assemble burgers: bottom bun, 1/4 cup slaw, 1 cooked patty, lettuce, tomato slices, and top bun. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Best Burger with Gourmet Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best-Best Burger with Gourmet Slaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Best Burger with Gourmet Slaw?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best-Best Burger with Gourmet Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best-Best Burger with Gourmet Slaw?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better general dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.