Introduction
The bold, smoky flavors of the Wyoming outdoors come to life with these amazing Wyoming Campfire Burgers, grilled to perfection on the Arteflame Grill. With steakhouse-level sear, juicy patties, melted cheese, and sweet grilled onions — this is the burger experience you've been craving. Everything from the patties to the toppings is grilled directly on the Arteflame, giving you rich, even flavor in every bite. Get ready to lock in flavor with a reverse sear method and make an unforgettable burger right in your backyard.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and juiciness)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 slices of cheddar or American cheese
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling onions and burgers)
- 4 brioche or potato hamburger buns
- Optional: pickles, lettuce, mustard, ketchup, or mayo
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill
- Place three folded paper napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill bowl.
- Pour a little vegetable oil over each napkin so they’re soaked.
- Stack dry firewood on top of the napkins in a crisscross pattern.
- Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build.
- Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes — the center grill grate should reach over 1,000°F, perfect for searing.
Step 2: Season the Burger Patties
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized burger patties, pressing them slightly larger than your buns (they'll shrink slightly as they cook).
Step 3: Sear the Patties
- Brush the patties lightly with melted butter.
- Place the patties directly on the center grill grate for 1.5–2 minutes per side to create a steakhouse-quality sear and lock in the juices.
Step 4: Finish on the Flat Cooktop
- Move the seared burgers to the flat cooktop (closer to the center for hotter heat, further out for lower heat) and continue cooking to your desired temperature.
- Use a food thermometer and remove the burger when it reaches 15°F below your target doneness (for medium, that’s about 140°F — remove at 125°F).
- Top each patty with cheese and allow it to melt while the burgers rest off the grill.
Step 5: Grill the Onions and Toast the Buns
- Add a pat of butter to the flat cooktop.
- Place the onion rings onto the cooktop and grill until soft, golden brown, and slightly caramelized (about 6–8 minutes).
- Toast the buns cut-side down on a medium-hot part of the flat cooktop until golden.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Place your seared, cheesy burger on the bottom bun.
- Top with grilled onions and any optional toppings (lettuce, pickles, mustard, etc.).
- Finish with the top bun, press lightly, and serve hot off the grill.
Tips
- Use cold ground beef to help patties stay together while forming.
- Don’t overwork the beef when mixing and shaping — this helps retain tenderness.
- If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, place a metal bowl over the burger briefly on the grill to trap heat.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the burger at peak juiciness and temperature.
- Always rest burgers for 5 minutes after pulling them 15°F below target temp — the carryover cook will bring them to perfection.
Variations
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Wyoming Bacon Ranch Burger: Add crispy bacon and a drizzle of ranch dressing along with the onions and cheese.
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Spicy Cowboy Burger: Mix chopped jalapeños into the meat and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
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BBQ Western Burger: Swap cheese for smoked gouda and top with BBQ sauce and fried onion strings.
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Mushroom Swiss Burger: Replace onions with grilled mushrooms sautéed in butter and topped with Swiss cheese.
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Breakfast Burger: Add a fried egg, cheddar cheese, and a grilled hash brown patty right on top of your burger.
Best pairings
- Sweet potato fries or potato wedges cooked on the Arteflame griddle
- Grilled corn on the cob with butter and chili powder
- Ice cold craft beer (like a pale ale or Wyoming-brewed lager)
- Grilled peaches or pineapple for a fresh dessert option
Conclusion
These Wyoming Campfire Burgers are everything a grilled burger should be — seared, juicy, flavorful, and loaded with grilled perfection. Thanks to the Arteflame Grill’s powerful center grate for searing and the flat top for flawless cooking, elevating your backyard burger game has never been easier. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the delicious variations, every bite will have that open flame, flame-kissed magic.