Coffee Rubbed Burgers with Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• COFFEE RUB SEASONING MIX:
• 1.5 Tbsp ground coffee
• 1/2 Tbsp salt
• 1/2 Tbsp paprika
• 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp pepper
• 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 Tbsp coriander
• DR PEPPER BBQ SAUCE:
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic roughly minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 6 oz Dr Pepper
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tsp ancho chile powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 3 Tbsp brewed coffee
• BURGERS:
• 2 lbs Angus ground beef 85/15
• 2 Tbsp Dr Pepper BBQ sauce
• salt and pepper
• Pretzel buns
• Arugula lettuce
• 8 slices peppered bacon
• 2 Tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Combine coffee rub seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl and mix together with a fork. Set aside.
2. Melt butter over MED heat in a saucepan. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add remaining sauce ingredients, stir to combine. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until sauce has thickened.
4. Pour sauce into blender or food processor and puree. Set aside to cool.
5. To a mixing bowl, add ground beef, salt, pepper and 2 Tbsp cooled bbq sauce. Mix well with your hands. Divide into 4 equal sections. Each burger will be 1/2 pound.
6. Rub coffee rub seasoning mix over both sides of each burger.
7. Heat a large skillet over MED-HIGH heat, add a small pat of butter and toast the pretzel buns (sliced side down). Remove from pan to cool.
8. Add 1 Tbsp butter to skillet and add burgers. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until burger is cooked to desired doneness.
9. Spread BBQ sauce over both sides of pretzel bun, layer arugula, burger, peppered bacon, then add the top bun.