Stars, Stripes and Sizzling Burgers

Celebrate Independence Day with three crowd-pleasing burger recipes that bring big flavor to every outdoor gathering

Bedford, PA (July 2, 2026) – As grills across America heat up for Fourth of July celebrations, beef lovers are looking for recipes that deliver unforgettable flavor with minimal fuss. This year, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by Beef farmers and ranchers, is spotlighting three burger recipes that take the classic cookout to the next level. 

These Cheesy Double Smashburgers have everything people love about a classic diner burger but with some small twists. Smashing patties on a hot griddle then stacked high, this burger is topped with American cheese, shallots, thyme and garlic aioli. Small modifications like these to your traditional cheeseburger go a long way in the flavor department.

Inspired by a regional St. Louis classic, these Slinger Smashburgers are sure to make your Fourth of July cookout memorable. The combination of ground beef, hashbrowns, chili, cheese and onion with a fried egg on top make it a standout option for grilling season. It’s the kind of burger that feels both familiar and exciting.

French Onion Open-Faced Burgers bring a gourmet twist to the grill with caramelized onions, melted Gruyere cheese and peppercorn sauce. The flavors mimic a classic French onion soup but in a hearty, fork-and-knife burger format. It’s an elevated choice that still fits in at a festive Fourth of July table.

For more grilling inspiration for the Fourth of July and your next cookout, check out www.pabeef.org along with our Grilling Basics page.

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The Pennsylvania Beef Council is a producer-controlled and funded organization, which administers the Beef Checkoff Program in Pennsylvania. The Beef Checkoff Program assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. Checkoff revenues may be used for promotion, education and research programs to improve the marketing climate for beef.