Best-Best Burger with Gourmet Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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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.

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