Move Over Hot Dogs, We're Using Ground Beef To Make Burger Dogs

Veggie burger dogs and other customizations

If meat isn't your preference, no problem! You can easily transform this burger dog into a vegetarian or vegan option by swapping out the beef for vegetables or a meat substitute like Impossible ground beef or Beyond Meat. Just make sure that whatever you select is flexible and, most importantly, won't crumble on the grill. The USDA advises cooking plant-based meats and burgers to the same temperature as traditional meat products to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

No matter which burger you decide to create, you can enhance its flavor by incorporating cheese inside the patty. While cheese on top is always tasty, there's something particularly delightful about melting cheese within the meat. To achieve this, simply place a slice of your preferred cheese (like classic cheddar or spicy pepper Jack for a Mexican twist) in the center of the beef before sealing and shaping it. Then, cook it just like you would a regular burger.

When it comes to toppings, the sky's the limit! You can stick with all the classic burger toppings, or for a fun twist, try recreating a traditional regional hot dog, such as a Chicago-style dog or a Coney dog. For a Chicago dog, include mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, peppers, and celery salt (ketchup is nearly forbidden in the Windy City). For a Coney dog, serve it with a Coney sauce (made from beef, spices, and condiments) and shredded cheddar cheese.