Save Juicy beef burgers topped with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled in a toasted bun for the ultimate summer treat.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Bacon: 8 slices bacon
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 4 slices
- Hamburger buns: 4 buns
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Tomato: 1 large, sliced
- Lettuce: 4 leaves
- BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml), plus extra for serving
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Pickles: sliced, optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Step 3:
- Form the beef mixture into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the buns.
- Step 4:
- Grill the bacon slices until crispy, about 5 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5:
- Grill the burger patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, brush each patty with BBQ sauce and add a slice of cheddar cheese. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- Step 6:
- Toast the hamburger buns cut side down on the grill for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 7:
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a little BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, tomato, burger patty, two slices of bacon, red onion, and pickles if desired. Top with the bun lid.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Save Notes
For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar or add grilled jalapeños. Try a brioche or pretzel bun for added richness. Pairs well with a hoppy IPA or a chilled cola.
Required Tools
Grill or grill pan Mixing bowl Spatula Tongs Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories: 690 Total Fat: 38 g Carbohydrates: 39 g Protein: 41 g
Save This burger recipe combines rich smoky flavors with classic toppings for a perfect summer meal.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of beef is best for these burgers?
Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for a juicy and flavorful patty with the right fat content.
- → How do I get crispy bacon for the topping?
Grill the bacon slices over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → Can I melt the cheddar cheese on the burgers?
Brush each patty with BBQ sauce, add cheddar slices during the last minute of grilling, and close the lid to melt the cheese perfectly.
- → What buns work well with these burgers?
Hamburger buns work well, but brioche or pretzel buns can add extra richness and flavor.
- → How can I add extra smoky flavor?
Try smoked cheddar cheese or add grilled jalapeños to enhance the smoky and spicy notes in the burger.
- → What sides pair nicely with these burgers?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a hoppy IPA or a chilled cola, complementing its bold flavors.