Award-Winning Gourmet Sirloin Burger with Beets: A Grill Master’s Secret Recipe
My journey into the world of barbecue began not out of passion, but out of sheer necessity. For most of my life, grilling was a task effortlessly handled by someone else – my dad, my husband, my father-in-law, or a helpful sibling. As long as delicious barbecued food appeared on the table, I was content. I certainly never envisioned myself as a “grill master,” let alone the creator of an award-winning burger. Yet, here we are, celebrating the Award-Winning “Cowtown Cosmo Burger,” a gourmet grilled sirloin burger featuring an unexpected, yet delightful, ingredient: beets.
This extraordinary recipe, also known as the Gourmet Grilled Sirloin Burger (with beets), proudly claimed 1st place in the D’Italiano Grill Master competition. It was a surprising victory for someone who initially approached the grill with a hint of trepidation. This isn’t just any burger; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures designed to impress. Crafted with lean ground sirloin, moistened perfectly with finely chopped beets, and elevated by a vibrant cranberry orange aioli and a rich peanut butter BBQ sauce. Creamy brie cheese, tender roasted apples, and caramelized onions are nestled between perfectly grilled buns, creating a gourmet experience that truly lives up to its “Wild West meets Uptown” description. It’s an unforgettable combination that will redefine your burger expectations.
🥘 Ingredients for Your Award-Winning Burger
This gourmet sirloin burger is not only a fantastic way to elevate your everyday grilling but also makes for an incredibly special dish, perfect for occasions like Father’s Day. The unique blend of ingredients creates a flavor profile that is both rustic and sophisticated. To recreate this award-winning masterpiece, you will need the following:
- 2 lbs ground sirloin (approximately 1 kg)
- 1 slice of D’italiano bread (or any quality bread), pureed to a fine crumb in a food processor
- 1 large egg, for binding
- ½ cup canned beets, finely chopped (essential for moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness)
- 6 D’italiano burger buns (or your favorite high-quality burger buns)
- ⅓ cup chunky peanut butter
- ½ tsp prepared horseradish
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp molasses
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 recipe for Cranberry Aioli (homemade is highly recommended for best flavor)
- 4 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 2 green apples, peeled, cored, quartered, and sliced thin lengthwise
- 1 red onion, sliced into circles, then halved
- Brie cheese (200g) wheel, sliced
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- Black pepper (optional, to taste)
💭 Ground Sirloin vs. Ground Beef: Why Sirloin for This Gourmet Burger?
When crafting a gourmet burger, the choice of meat is paramount. Ground sirloin stands out as a premium option, offering a significant difference from regular ground beef. It is considerably leaner, typically containing 10-14% fat, compared to regular ground beef’s 25-30%. This leaner profile means it comes from a more desirable cut – the midsection of the animal – making it a pricier, yet often more flavorful and healthier, choice for those seeking a sophisticated burger.
However, the very lean nature of ground sirloin can sometimes lead to a drier texture when cooked. This is precisely why the addition of beets is a game-changer in this recipe. Finely chopped beets not only introduce a subtle earthy sweetness and beautiful color but, more importantly, infuse the sirloin patties with crucial moisture, preventing them from drying out on the grill. This healthy and ingenious trick ensures every bite of your sirloin burger is juicy and succulent. Understanding the nuances of different ground beef types can significantly elevate your cooking. For more comprehensive information, you can delve deeper HERE (Everything you need to know about ground beef).
🥗 Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Sirloin Burger
No gourmet burger experience is complete without the perfect accompaniment. These flavorful side dishes are specifically chosen to enhance the rich and complex flavors of the Cowtown Cosmo Burger, providing a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, these options are sure to please:
- Easy Bean Salad: A refreshing and protein-packed choice.
- Easy Greek Pasta Salad: A Mediterranean-inspired twist with fresh vegetables and feta.
- Artichoke & Roasted Red Pepper Coleslaw (as shown below): A creamy, tangy, and vibrant coleslaw that adds a delightful crunch.
- Healthy Potato Salad: A timeless classic, made lighter for guilt-free enjoyment.
- Quick Cucumber Kimchi: For those who enjoy a zesty, fermented kick.
- 3 Ingredient Onion Baked Potatoes in Foil: Simple, flavorful, and perfect for grilling alongside your burgers.
And don’t forget dessert! For a truly effortless ending to your meal, you don’t even have to turn on the stove!
No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu
🍽 Essential Grilling Equipment
To achieve the perfect char and flavor for this juicy sirloin burger, a grill is essential. You have several options, depending on your setup and preference: an outdoor barbecue grill for that classic smoky flavor, an indoor electric grill for convenience, or even a stovetop grill pan to get those desirable grill marks. Ensure your grill is clean and preheated for optimal results.
🌡️ Storage Tips for Cooked Burgers
Should you have any delectable sirloin burgers left over, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and flavor. Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer preservation, these burgers freeze exceptionally well. Simply place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bags, and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
👪 Adjusting the Serving Size
This gourmet sirloin beef burger recipe is designed to yield 6 generous servings. However, the recipe is easily adaptable to suit your needs. You can effortlessly halve, double, or even triple the recipe by simply clicking on the serving number within the recipe card and selecting your desired quantity. The ingredient amounts will automatically adjust, taking the guesswork out of scaling this incredible burger for any gathering, big or small.
Top Grilling Safety Tip: Reconsider Your BBQ Brush
Grilling is a beloved summer pastime, but safety should always be a top priority. Over the past few years, growing concerns have emerged regarding the potential dangers of traditional BBQ wire-bristle brushes. Reports of wire bristles detaching from brushes and accidentally getting ingested with food have led to serious injuries, including perforations in the digestive tract. Despite these alarming incidents and news reports, finding suitable alternatives to wire brushes in stores has often been a challenge, with many retailers continuing to sell only the problematic wire varieties.
Fortunately, health authorities are taking action. Following numerous safety warnings and reports of injuries, Health Canada has initiated a risk assessment that could potentially lead to a ban on the sale of wire-bristle brushes for cleaning barbecue grills. This is a positive step towards ensuring consumer safety. For more detailed information on this important issue, you can read the full Health Canada report here. I highly recommend investing in safer, wire-free brush alternatives, such as those made with coiled stainless steel, bristle-free pads, or even natural wood scrapers. These alternatives effectively clean your grill without the inherent risks, allowing you to enjoy your barbecue season with peace of mind. Check my notes section for Amazon recommendations on wire-free brushes.
With summer finally gracing us here in Cowtown, my oven stays firmly off. Those who’ve followed my culinary adventures know my aversion to indoor cooking during the warmer months! My mind is perpetually on barbecue, and for good reason. I find myself grilling quite frequently during this time of year, embracing the outdoor kitchen, even if I wouldn’t classify my skills as “expert.” The joy of sizzling food outdoors under the sun or stars is unmatched.
So there you have it: a truly exceptional ground sirloin burger recipe that promises to be a highlight of your summer grilling. You absolutely do not need to be a seasoned grill master to create this grilled sirloin burger. In fact, preparing this dish will undoubtedly make you feel like one! If you’re looking to dramatically elevate your burger game, aiming for the best sirloin burger recipe that adds a touch of gourmet pizzazz to your repertoire, then this is the one to try. The combination of savory sirloin, earthy beets, sweet and tangy sauces, and creamy brie creates an explosion of flavors that is truly special. You won’t be disappointed; in fact, this award-winning creation is poised to become your new favorite burger!
📋 Sirloin Burger (with beets) recipe
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Equipment
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bbq brush
Ingredients
Burger:
- 2 lbs ground sirloin (1 kg) approximately
- 1 slices of D’italiano bread (or any bread crumbs)- pureed in food processor (to a fine crumb)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup canned beets- finely chopped
- 6 D’italiano burger buns (or any burger buns)
Peanut butter BBQ sauce:
- ⅓ cup chunky peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon horseradish
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- ⅓ cup lime juice
- 3 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 recipe Cranberry Aioli https://foodmeanderings.com/cranberry-aioli/
Toppings
- 4 tablespoon greek yogurt
- 2 green apples , peeled, cored, quartered, sliced thin length-wise
- 1 red onion sliced in circles , then halved
- Brie cheese (200g) wheel
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
Instructions
Burger:
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Preheat grill to 500 degrees F. Spray the grill grates with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
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In a large bowl, gently combine the ground sirloin, egg, pureed bread crumbs, and finely chopped beets. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, then form into 6 uniform burger patties.
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Prepare the roasted apples and onions: Spray a large square of aluminum foil (approximately 10″ x 10″) with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the thinly sliced apples and halved red onion circles in the center. Fold the edges of the foil over to create a sealed packet.
BBQ sauce & Grilling:
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For the peanut butter BBQ sauce: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix all the peanut butter BBQ sauce ingredients together until smooth. Set aside half of the sauce to use later, and use the other half to generously brush over one side of the burger patties.
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Lightly oil the preheated grill grates and carefully place the burger patties, sauce-side down. Close the BBQ lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing a good sear and initial cooking.
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Flip the burgers, then brush the newly exposed side with the remaining peanut butter BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes with the lid closed until cooked through to your desired doneness.
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Meanwhile, while the burgers are cooking, place the apple/onion foil packets on the cooler part of the grill (usually the back) and roast for approximately 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
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Once burgers are almost done, turn off the grill. Top each burger patty with a generous slice of Brie cheese and cover the grill briefly (about 1 minute) to allow the cheese to melt into a creamy layer. Then, place the burger buns face down on the grill for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly toasted with attractive grill marks.
To assemble:
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Mix the Cosmo Cranberry Aioli ingredients together. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the aioli onto the bottom half of each grilled bun, ensuring even distribution across all 6 buns.
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Assemble your masterpiece: Place a burger patty on the aioli-coated bun. Top with fresh baby spinach, followed by approximately ¼ cup of the roasted apple and red onion mixture. In a small bowl, quickly mix the balsamic vinegar and Greek yogurt, then add a dollop (about 2 teaspoons) of this mixture on top of the apple/onion blend. Finally, place the top bun. Serve your award-winning gourmet sirloin burger immediately and savor every incredible bite!
Notes
💭Top Tip
If you’ve heard anything about the danger of BBQ wire-bristle brushes, you may want to look at investing in a different kind of brush. It’s been in the news for the last couple of years and apparently, there have been 9 reported incidents of injury from these brushes. The strange thing was, that even after all the reports, I went on a hunt last summer and couldn’t find a proper replacement for a wire brush anywhere and several stores were still selling only wire brushes!
Thankfully, after years of safety warnings and reports of injuries from wire-bristle brushes used to clean barbecue grills, Health Canada has begun a risk assessment that could potentially stop the sale of the brushes. You can Read this Health Canada report for more information.
Nutrition
🍖 More Grilling Recipes to Explore!
If you’ve enjoyed this gourmet sirloin burger recipe and are eager to explore more delicious possibilities on the grill, you’re in luck! Expand your grilling repertoire with these other fantastic recipes:
- Marinated Maple BBQ Pork Loin Steaks
- BBQ Beer Butt Chicken
- Guber Burger (Peanut Butter Burger)
- Grilled Steak Salad Recipe with Feta and Clamato Dressing (Moxie’s Copycat)