Pastrami on Rye Burger

gourmet pastrami sandwich

My burgers are not usually like anything anyone’s seen before. As Kelly always says, they are shaped like burgers and they come on buns, but they’re not like anything you know.  After all, each of us drives by one burger franchise after the other everyday.  It’s time to mix up your burger world.

The word “pastrami” refers simply to the seasoning on a smoked hunk of meat.  Create a crust of that delicious seasoning in this recipe.  Turn your gourmet burgers into beef pastrami with this really good burger recipe unlike any other that’s graced your grill.  While you most certainly have not seen many pastrami sandwich recipes, you absolutely have not tasted a dish like this either.

This is one of those unusual ones. Of course, everyone knows the classic Reuben pastrami sandwich familiar to any sandwich menu. Well, here’s it’s burger-fied brother. Enjoy!

If you liked this traditional sandwich turned burger be sure to check out the Club Burger.

cooking information

• Yield: 12 Burgers
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

all ingredients

• 3 Pounds Ground Beef
• 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Cracked Black Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 3 Slices Swiss Cheese, quartered
• 1 Dozen Dinner Rolls
• 1-2 Cups Sauerkraut
• Thousand Island Dressing

recipe instruction

1. Preheat grill to high heat. Mix beef with 1 Tb spoon of salt. Form into 12 4-ounce burgers.

2. Combine the pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl.

3. Once the grill is hot enough, dip the top part of the burger in the seasoning and place on the grill. Cook 7 minutes, flip and let finish another 3-5 minutes or until it’s cooked to your preference. In the last minute of cooking, place the slice of swiss cheese on top.

4. To assemble the sandwiches, place a forkful of sauerkraut on the bottom of the sandwich, add the fresh burger, and drizzle the 1000 Island dressing on top. Serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

• I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also adds just the right amount of a sweet taste.
• Place a layer of aluminum foil directly on the grill to cook the burgers without making them burnt from the flames. Once they are almost completely cooked, place them directly on the grill to create a quick crust on the burger.
• Make sure to drain your sauerkraut before placing it on your bun so as not to let your bun get mushy.
• Add as much or as little sauerkraut and thousand island dressing as you like.