This Homemade Cheeseburger with Red Cabbage Slaw & Fries is the ultimate comfort meal. A juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patty is seared to perfection, topped with melted cheese, crunchy pickles, and tangy red cabbage slaw. Served on a toasted brioche bun with crispy golden fries, this burger is packed with flavor and texture, making every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful – The beef patty is well-seasoned and seared for a perfect crust.
- Tangy & crunchy slaw – Red cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
- Melty cheese – American or cheddar cheese makes the burger extra indulgent.
- Crispy homemade fries – Baked to perfection with a smoky seasoning.
- Easy to make – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this a go-to homemade burger.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Burger Patties:
- Ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- Butter or oil (for cooking)
For the Red Cabbage Slaw:
- Shredded red cabbage
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt & pepper
For Assembling the Burger:
- Brioche buns, toasted
- American or cheddar cheese slices
- Pickle slices
- Tomato slices
- Burger sauce (mix of mayo, ketchup, and mustard)
For the Fries:
- Potatoes, cut into fries
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Smoked paprika
Directions
Prepare the Fries:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss the potato fries with vegetable oil, salt, and smoked paprika.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Make the Slaw:
- In a bowl, mix shredded red cabbage, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors and soften slightly.
Cook the Patties:
- Shape the ground beef into two equal patties, pressing slightly thinner in the center.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter or oil.
- Sear the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese in the last minute to melt.
Assemble the Burger:
- Spread burger sauce on the toasted brioche bun.
- Add a generous layer of red cabbage slaw.
- Place the cooked beef patty on top.
- Top with pickles, tomato slices, and the bun lid.
Serve:
- Plate the cheeseburgers alongside crispy fries and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 780 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy version: Add sriracha or hot sauce to the burger sauce for a kick.
- Caramelized onions: Swap raw onions for sweet, caramelized onions for added depth.
- Lettuce wrap: Skip the bun and wrap the burger in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Sweet potato fries: Swap regular fries for sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet contrast.
- Bacon lover’s version: Add crispy bacon strips for extra smoky flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover patties and slaw in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked burger patties for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Reheat fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
What’s the best beef for burgers?
Use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for a juicy, flavorful burger.
Can I grill the burger instead?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked to your desired doneness.
How do I get my fries extra crispy?
Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry them before baking to remove excess starch.
What’s the best cheese for burgers?
American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar, Swiss, or gouda work well too.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors develop even more if made a few hours in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
What should I serve with this burger?
A side of coleslaw, onion rings, or a simple garden salad pairs perfectly with this meal.
Can I use a different type of bun?
Yes! Try pretzel buns, sesame seed buns, or whole wheat buns for a unique twist.
How do I prevent my burger from puffing up while cooking?
Press a small indent in the center of the patty before cooking to help it stay flat.
Can I make this burger without a pan?
Yes! You can cook the burger in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I know when my burger is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer:
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (65°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
Conclusion
This Homemade Cheeseburger with Red Cabbage Slaw & Fries delivers the perfect balance of juicy, crunchy, tangy, and crispy flavors. The seasoned beef patty, melty cheese, and fresh slaw make every bite a delight, while the golden fries complete the meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this burger is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality burger at home!
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Homemade Cheeseburger with Red Cabbage Slaw & Fries
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A juicy, perfectly seared beef patty topped with melted cheese, crunchy pickles, and tangy red cabbage slaw, served with crispy golden fries.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)
For the Red Cabbage Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Assembling the Burger:
- 2 brioche buns, toasted
- 2 slices American or cheddar cheese
- 4 pickle slices
- 2 tomato slices
- 1 tbsp burger sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, and mustard)
For the Fries:
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Fries:
- Toss fries in oil, salt, and smoked paprika.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Make the Slaw:
- In a bowl, mix red cabbage, mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Cook the Patties:
- Shape ground beef into two patties.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter or oil.
- Sear patties for 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese in the last minute to melt.
Assemble the Burger:
- Spread burger sauce on the toasted brioche bun.
- Add red cabbage slaw, followed by the beef patty.
- Top with pickles, tomato slices, and the bun lid.
Serve:
- Plate with crispy fries and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap brioche buns for whole wheat or pretzel buns for variety.
- Add crispy bacon or caramelized onions for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Burger, Comfort Food
- Method: Pan-searing, Baking
- Cuisine: American