✔ Published · new copycat burger with homemade or frozen onion rings
This copycat Burger King Rodeo Burger is small but mighty: a juicy beef patty, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce and crunchy onion rings on a sesame bun. Three simple things, one seriously fun burger!
What Is the Rodeo Burger? (Quick Answer)
The Rodeo Burger is a Burger King value-menu burger that has come and gone over the years: a flame-grilled beef patty topped with sweet, smoky BBQ sauce and crispy onion rings on a sesame seed bun (some versions add cheese). To make a copycat, bake or fry a few onion rings, cook thin 3-ounce patties to 160°F (71°C) and stack each one on a toasted bun with BBQ sauce and 2 or 3 rings.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Put the onion rings in the oven first, then cook the patties. Everything finishes at the same time, so the rings go on hot and crunchy. That crunch is the whole point!
Why You'll Love This Rodeo Burger Copycat
- Sweet, smoky and crunchy all in one handheld bite.
- Only a handful of ingredients, and frozen onion rings are totally allowed.
- Kid-sized and budget-friendly, just like the value-menu original.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Thin patties win. A 3-ounce patty pressed wide cooks fast, chars beautifully and leaves room for the rings without a skyscraper burger.
- Sauce both sides of the patty. A little on the bun and a drizzle on top means smoky-sweet flavor in every bite, without making the bun soggy.
- Rings go on last. Add them right before serving so they stay crunchy. Soggy rings are just sad onions!
- Pick your BBQ sauce. A thick, sweet, smoky sauce is closest to the drive-thru style. Hickory or honey BBQ both work great.
- Check 160°F. Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center. Thin patties get there quickly, so start checking at 2 minutes per side.
Copycat Burger King Rodeo Burger
4
burgers10
minutes20
minutes520
kcal30
minutesA copycat-style Rodeo Burger: thin seasoned beef patties grilled or seared to 160°F, brushed with smoky-sweet BBQ sauce and topped with crispy onion rings on toasted sesame buns. Add a slice of American cheese for a Rodeo Cheeseburger. Makes 4 burgers.
Ingredients
- For the Onion Rings
12 frozen breaded onion rings (or 12 homemade Burger King-style rings)
- For the Burgers
12 ounces ground beef, 80/20
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 sesame seed hamburger buns
2 teaspoons butter, softened (for toasting the buns)
1/3 cup smoky-sweet BBQ sauce
4 slices American cheese (optional, for a Rodeo Cheeseburger)
Directions
- Make the Onion Rings
- Bake frozen onion rings according to the package (usually 425°F/220°C for 12 to 15 minutes) or air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp. If you are making homemade rings, fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
- Cook the Patties
- Divide the beef into 4 portions of 3 ounces. Press each into a thin patty about 4 1/2 inches wide, slightly wider than the bun. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill to high or a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until charred and 160°F (71°C) in the center. Add the cheese for the last 30 seconds, if using.
- Build
- Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them for 30 to 60 seconds, until golden. Spread about 2 teaspoons of BBQ sauce on each bottom bun.
- Add a patty, drizzle with another 2 teaspoons of BBQ sauce, top with 3 onion rings and close with the top bun. Serve right away while the rings are crunchy.
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Onion Ring Options
| Option | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen rings, oven | 425°F (220°C), single layer | 12 to 15 min |
| Frozen rings, air fryer | 400°F (200°C), shake halfway | 8 to 10 min |
| Homemade BK-style rings | Fry at 350°F (175°C) | 2 to 3 min per batch |
Variations
- Rodeo Cheeseburger: melt a slice of American cheese on each patty.
- Double Rodeo: stack two patties with BBQ sauce between them.
- Bacon Rodeo: add a strip of crisp bacon under the onion rings.
- Spicy: stir 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a splash of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce.
More Burger King Copycat Recipes
Make your own Burger King onion rings for the topping and dunk the extras in zesty sauce. For bigger appetites, try the Bacon King, Big King or Angry Whopper.
Browse all of our Burger King copycat recipes for more drive-thru favorites to make at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on a Burger King Rodeo Burger?
It's a simple value burger: a flame-grilled beef patty, BBQ sauce and crispy onion rings on a sesame seed bun. Some versions have added American cheese. This copycat follows the classic build.
Is the Rodeo Burger still on the menu?
It has come and gone on the Burger King value menu over the years and availability varies by location, so check the Burger King app near you. You can always make this copycat at home.
Can I use frozen onion rings?
Yes, and they work brilliantly. Bake or air fry them until extra crisp. For homemade rings, use our copycat Burger King onion rings recipe.
How do I make a Rodeo Cheeseburger?
Lay a slice of American cheese on each patty for the last 30 seconds of cooking so it melts, then build the burger as usual.
Can I make it with chicken?
Sure. Swap the beef for a crispy chicken fillet cooked to 165°F (74°C), then add BBQ sauce and onion rings for a Rodeo-style chicken sandwich.
