Apple sauce is the base for a rich, smoky BBQ sauce that does double duty by being used in the burger mixture as well as an accompaniment to the burgers themselves.
Servings: 24
7 1/2 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
2 cups fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
3 1/2 cups Smoked Apple BBQ Sauce*, divided (Recipe Below)
2 cups minced scallions
1 cup minced parsley
2 Tbsp. smoky BBQ spice blend
1 cup Caramelized Onions (Recipe Below)
24 whole grain buns, split, grilled
1 1/2 lb. Gouda, Cheddar or provolone cheese, sliced
Smoked Apple BBQ Sauce ( 1 qt.)
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 cups minced sweet onion
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 1/2 cups Musselman's® Apple Cider Vinegar
2 cups Musselman’s® Natural Apple Sauce
1/4 cup molasses
2 tsp. liquid smoke seasoning, hickory
3+ cups water
Caramelized Onions ( 1 cup)
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 cups finely chopped sweet onions
Smoked Apple BBQ Sauce
Caramelized Onions
To Serve