Cook Out Tray (Burger) Copycat Recipe
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| Bring home that late-night Cook Out craving with a juicy burger, tangy pickles, crisp toppings, and a tray full of salty, golden sides. |
If you have ever pulled into a Cook Out late at night and ordered a big, satisfying burger tray, you already know the appeal. It is simple food, done in a crave-worthy way. This Cook Out Tray burger copycat recipe brings that same backyard-style flavor home with juicy beef patties, a soft bun, classic toppings, and the fun of building your own combo meal right in your kitchen.
This recipe is made for home cooks in the USA who want an easy, affordable dinner that hits the spot. It is not the actual restaurant recipe, but it is a tasty copycat-style version inspired by the burger from the popular tray.
What Is Cook Out and Why Is the Tray So Iconic?
Cook Out is a beloved fast-food chain known across the South, especially in North Carolina and nearby states. People love it for its chargrilled burgers, huge menu, milkshakes, and the famous Cook Out Tray. The tray lets you mix and match an entrée, sides, and a drink, which makes it feel a little more fun than the average fast-food order.
The burger itself is part of the magic. It is usually thin, well-seasoned, and cooked so it gets those flavorful browned edges. Then it is tucked into a soft bun and piled with toppings like mustard, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, or chili depending on what you like. It is messy in the best way. Think savory beef, soft bread, cool crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and that tangy snap from pickles and mustard.
That balance is what makes it memorable. It is a little smoky, a little salty, a little tangy, and very comforting. Like your favorite backyard cookout, but packed into a drive-thru tray.
Why You’ll Love This Cook Out Tray Burger Copycat
- Easy to make with simple grocery store ingredients
- Budget-friendly for family dinner night
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings
- Quick enough for a weeknight meal
- Tastes like classic fast food without leaving the house
I love making this when everyone wants something casual but satisfying. It feels like a treat, but it is still very doable at home. And honestly, setting out the toppings and letting everyone build their own burger is half the fun.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes
Total time: About 25 to 30 minutes
For the burgers:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 for best flavor
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, only if needed for the pan
For serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices American cheese, optional
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, optional
- 16 dill pickle slices
- 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 lettuce leaves
Optional tray-style add-ons at home:
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Chicken nuggets
- Coleslaw
- Sweet tea or a milkshake
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
This is for 1 burger with bun, cheese, mustard, pickles, onion, lettuce, and tomato.
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
Nutrition will change based on toppings, bun choice, and sides.
How to Make a Copycat Cook Out Tray Burger
Step 1: Preheat your cooking surface.
Heat a large cast iron skillet, grill pan, flat griddle, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give the burgers that nice browned crust. If you are using a skillet and your beef is very lean, add a little oil. With 80/20 beef, you usually will not need it.
Step 2: Season the beef.
Place the ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overwork the meat. If you mix too much, the burgers can turn out dense instead of tender.
Step 3: Shape the patties.
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties about 4 1/2 to 5 inches wide. They should be a little wider than the buns because burgers shrink as they cook. Press a slight dip in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the burgers.
Place the patties on the hot pan or grill. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until browned and slightly crisp around the edges. Flip and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness.
Food safety tip: Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the burger for the safest result.
Step 5: Add cheese if using.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each burger. Cover loosely with a lid or tent with foil for a few seconds so the cheese melts.
Step 6: Toast the buns.
Split the buns and toast them cut-side down on the griddle or in a dry skillet for about 30 to 60 seconds. This small step makes a big difference. It helps keep the bun from getting soggy and adds extra flavor.
Step 7: Build the burgers.
Spread mustard on the bottom bun. Add the burger patty, then top with pickles, onions, tomato, and lettuce. Add mayo if you like. Finish with the top bun.
Step 8: Serve tray-style.
For the full Cook Out Tray copycat experience, serve your burger with fries, onion rings, nuggets, or slaw and a cold drink. If you really want to lean into the nostalgia, a homemade milkshake on the side does not hurt.
Tips for the Best Fast-Food Style Burger at Home
- Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest burger
- Keep the patties thin for that diner and drive-thru texture
- Cook on high heat to develop browned edges
- Do not press too much while cooking or the juices will run out
- Toast the buns for better texture
- Layer toppings simply so the beef still shines
If you have ever wondered why restaurant burgers taste so satisfying, it often comes down to contrast. Hot burger, cool toppings, soft bun, sharp mustard. It is like a good song. Every part has a job.
Easy Home Kitchen Shortcuts
Want to make this even easier? Here are a few time-saving ideas.
Use a griddle:
A flat electric griddle is great if you are making burgers for a family. You can cook patties and toast buns at the same time.
Oven fries on the side:
Bake frozen fries while you make the burgers. That way dinner comes together fast.
Air fryer add-ons:
Use your air fryer for onion rings, nuggets, or fries while the burger cooks on the stovetop.
Prepped topping tray:
Slice onions, tomatoes, and pickles ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Dinner feels almost as quick as a drive-thru run.
Smashburger option:
Instead of thicker patties, divide the beef into 8 smaller balls and smash them thin on a hot griddle for double burgers. This gives you extra crispy edges and even more of that fast-food feel.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Swaps
This is one area where homemade burgers really shine. You can tweak almost everything. If someone at your table has a food sensitivity or follows a special diet, try these ideas.
Gluten-free:
- Use certified gluten-free hamburger buns
- Double-check Worcestershire sauce and condiments for hidden gluten
- Serve the burger over lettuce or with a baked potato if buns are not available
Dairy-free:
- Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free sliced cheese
- Check the bun label since some store-bought buns contain milk
- Use dairy-free mayo if needed
Egg-free:
- Skip mayo or use an egg-free mayo alternative
- Most basic burger patties are naturally egg-free, so this one is easy to adapt
Soy-free:
- Use plain beef and simple seasonings
- Check buns, cheese, and condiments carefully because soy can show up in many packaged products
Low-carb or keto:
- Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns
- Use sugar-free condiments if desired
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables instead of fries
Paleo:
- Skip the bun and cheese
- Use lettuce wraps
- Choose paleo-friendly mustard and homemade mayo
- Serve with sweet potato wedges
Whole30-style:
- Use compliant ground beef and seasonings
- Serve in lettuce wraps
- Choose compliant mustard and pickle brands with no added sugar if needed
Vegetarian:
- Swap in a veggie burger patty
- Keep the same toppings and bun for that classic burger feel
- Add grilled onions or mushrooms for more savory flavor
Vegan:
- Use plant-based burger patties
- Choose vegan buns and vegan cheese
- Use vegan mayo or just stick with mustard and pickles
Lower sodium:
- Reduce added salt in the burger mixture
- Use low-sodium pickles and condiments when possible
- Skip processed cheese
One of my favorite things about burger night is how easy it is to make everyone happy. One person wants cheese, another wants no bun, another loads on pickles. It all works.
What to Serve with Your Copycat Cook Out Tray Burger
If you want the full tray-style meal, try one or two of these easy sides:
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Hush puppies
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese bites
- Chicken nuggets
- Sweet tea
- Cheerwine-inspired soda if you can find it
- Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry milkshake
If you ask me, burger and fries is the obvious choice. But burger and slaw has that old-school cookout feel that is hard to beat.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Wrap cooked patties tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals until heated through. For best texture, toast fresh buns right before serving.
Food safety reminder:
Reheat leftovers to 165°F before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?
Yes. A grill gives great smoky flavor. Just make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled so the thinner patties do not stick.
What kind of bun works best?
A soft hamburger bun works best for that true fast-food texture. Potato buns are also excellent.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes. Shape them and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Do I have to use cheese?
No. The burger is still delicious without it. American cheese just gives that classic melt and flavor.
How do I make it taste more like a drive-thru burger?
Use thinner patties, toast the bun, keep toppings simple, and do not skip the mustard, pickles, and onions. Those little details matter more than you think.
Final Thoughts
This Cook Out Tray burger copycat recipe is one of those meals that feels familiar right away. It is fast, filling, and easy to customize. Whether you are missing your favorite Southern fast-food stop or just want a no-fuss burger night at home, this recipe gets the job done.
If you make it, I would love to hear how you served your tray. Did you go with fries, onion rings, or a milkshake? Maybe all three? Leave a comment and share your version. And if this recipe hit the spot, send it to a friend who loves a good homemade burger.
Disclaimer
This is a copycat recipe inspired by the style of the Cook Out Tray burger. It is not the actual restaurant recipe, and no affiliation with or endorsement by Cook Out is claimed or implied. This post is based on public knowledge of the dish and home kitchen testing only. No knowledge of any proprietary or confidential recipe is implied.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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