Animal Style Onion Rings

These BBQ Onion Rings are the ultimate smoky, cheesy, bacon-wrapped snack that puts drive-thru favorites to shame. Juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and sautéed onions get stuffed inside crispy onion rings, then wrapped in bacon and smoked to perfection. Finished with a sticky-sweet glaze, sesame seeds, and a dunk in creamy-spicy “sauce boss” dip, every bite is pure backyard magic. Perfect for game day, tailgates, or any cookout where you want to steal the show!

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Recipe from Bigfoot.BBQ @matt_hvidsten on Instagram

@mthphotographyofficial on TikTok

Learn more about the Yoder Smokers Loaded Wichita Offset Smoker

INGREDIENTS

BBQ ONION RINGS: (Makes 10-12 rings)
  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 6 yellow onions (bring tissues—tears of joy incoming)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp SPG seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chopped pickles (trust me)
  • 8 oz cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier)
  • 24 strips of BACON
  • 4 tbsp BBQ rub (I’m obsessed with Sticky Bourbon Brown Ale @overthefirecooking)
  • 6 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • Sesame seeds (for that burger bun vibe)
SAUCE BOSS TIME:
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp sriracha (@melindasfoods for the win)
  • 2 tbsp relish
  • 1 tbsp apple cider/white vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp water (for perfect dip-ability)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Grab those extra onion rings, chop about 1 cup, and sauté in butter and Worcestershire for 8 minutes.
  2. Mix ground beef, sautéed onions, SPG (salt, pepper, garlic), pickles, and all the cheese.
  3. Slice onions into thick rings. Place a smaller ring inside a larger one and stuff with the beef mixture.
  4. Wrap each ring with two slices of bacon.
  5. Sprinkle with BBQ rub until your soul says “enough.”
  6. Smoke at 250°F for about 1 ½ hours.
  7. Baste with BBQ sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and smoke for 15 minutes more.
  8. Dunk in Special Sauce and enjoy!