These Amish-style barbecued burgers are juicy and full of flavor. A rich homemade barbecue sauce is stirred into the meat and brushed on while grilling, delivering tender, flavorful results every time. This easy Amish BBQ hamburger recipe is perfect for the grill—gas or charcoal—and makes a wonderful choice for summer cookouts.
Grilled barbecued hamburgers are ideal for warm-weather gatherings and pair well with classic picnic sides.
Why You’ll Love These Amish Barbecued Hamburgers
- Juicy and full of flavor – Barbecue sauce is mixed into the meat for extra moisture and taste.
- Homemade barbecue sauce – Sweet, tangy, and rich with classic Amish-style flavor.
- Perfect for the grill – Great results on gas or charcoal grills.
- Simple ingredients – Uses ground beef and pantry staples you likely have on hand.
- Cookout favorite – Family-friendly and always a hit at summer gatherings.
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Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Make the barbecue sauce first since part of it is mixed into the meat. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, honey, molasses, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, liquid smoke, and black pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool completely.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add 1/4 cup white sugar. Any light-tasting molasses works well; remove from heat and let cool. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the cooled sauce to mix into the burger mixture and use the remaining sauce to brush on the burgers while grilling and to serve with the finished burgers.
Choosing the Best Meat for Juicy Burgers
The best meat for these barbecued burgers is 85–90% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. You can, however, mix other ground meats if you like—venison, turkey, or chuck blended with ground beef can add flavor or reduce fat content. If you choose very lean meat, expect slightly drier patties; fattier blends are juicier but may cause more flare-ups on the grill.
For consistent results, I usually use 85–90% lean ground beef when grilling burgers.
How to Grill Barbecued Burgers
Charcoal grilling adds a deeper smoky flavor, while gas grills are quick and convenient. These burgers also cook well in the oven or on the stovetop if needed. No matter the method, brush the patties frequently with the prepared barbecue sauce as they cook to build a glossy, flavorful coating. Cook until patties reach your desired doneness, then brush once more and let them rest briefly before serving.
Summer Cookouts & Side Dishes
Summer barbecues are about family, food, and enjoying the outdoors. These Amish-style grilled burgers are especially satisfying when served with your favorite toppings—cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, and extra barbecue sauce.
Classic side dishes complement the meal: potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, broccoli and cauliflower salad, or a layered vegetable salad all pair nicely with burgers. Finish with a refreshing drink like lemonade, iced tea, or a fruity slush to keep everyone cool.
Summer Evenings With My Amish Family
I grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania’s Amish country and have fond memories of long, relaxing summer evenings spent with family. Saturdays were special—work wrapped up early so we could grill and enjoy an outdoor supper together. We often had hamburgers or chicken and fresh garden melons for dessert. Those evenings are some of my favorite memories.
If you try these Amish barbecued burgers, please leave a comment and rating. I appreciate feedback—it helps others find and enjoy the recipe.
📖 Recipe Card
Amish-style Homemade BBQ Hamburgers Recipe
Ingredients
Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 c. ketchup
- ½ c. brown sugar
- ¼ c. honey
- ¼ c. light-tasting molasses
- 2 tsp. prepared mustard
- 1 ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- ¼–½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. liquid smoke
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Burgers:
- 1 ½ lb. ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ c. quick oats
- 1 tsp. garlic salt (or 1 tsp. table salt + ½ tsp. garlic powder)
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½–¾ tsp. black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns and desired toppings
Instructions
Barbecue Sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan, stir, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Reserve about 1/3 cup of the cooled sauce to add to the burger mixture. Use the remaining sauce to brush on the burgers while grilling and to serve with the finished patties.
Burgers:
- In a bowl, combine the beaten egg, quick oats, garlic salt (or substitute), onion powder, black pepper, and 1/3 cup of the cooled barbecue sauce.
- Add the ground beef and mix gently just until combined—avoid overworking the meat.
- Divide the mixture and form six patties. Make them slightly larger than your desired finished size, as they will shrink while cooking.
- Place a piece of parchment paper between each patty, cover, and refrigerate until ready to grill.
- Preheat your grill. Grill the patties a few minutes per side until they reach your preferred doneness, brushing frequently with the barbecue sauce. After removing from the grill, brush once more or spoon extra sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately on buns with your favorite toppings. Alternatively, keep the cooked burgers in a covered dish in a low oven until ready to serve.
Notes
Favorite toppings include cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced dill pickles, onions, mustard, and extra barbecue sauce. Jalapeños or avocado slices are also good options. Nutrition values are approximate.