Hearty BBQ Bacon Burger (Printable)

Juicy beef patties topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce on toasted buns.

# What You Need:

→ Burger Patties

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder

→ Toppings

06 - 8 slices bacon
07 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 4 brioche or hamburger buns
09 - 4 tbsp barbecue sauce
10 - 4 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
11 - 1 large tomato, sliced
12 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
13 - 4 dill pickle slices

→ Optional

14 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
15 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns)

# How-To:

01 - Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
02 - In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Form into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the buns.
03 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
04 - Grill or pan-sear the burger patties for 3–4 minutes per side for medium, or until desired doneness. During the last minute, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and allow it to melt.
05 - Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until golden.
06 - Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, the cheesy burger patty, 2 slices of bacon, tomato, red onion, pickle, and 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce. Top with the upper bun.
07 - Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy bacon adds an irresistible crunch and smoky depth that elevates every single bite
  • Melting sharp cheddar directly onto the patty creates those gooey cheese pulls we all secretly love
02 -
  • Let patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep all those juices inside
  • Toast buns immediately before assembling so they stay crisp until serving
03 -
  • Create a slight depression in the center of each raw patty to prevent puffing up
  • Season patties generously since some seasoning is lost on the grill

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