Description
Juicy, flavorful BBQ Bacon Burgers with homemade BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and all your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp Molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 1 lb Thick-Cut Bacon
- 6 Burger Buns (Brioche or your favorite)
- 6 slices Cheddar Cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1 Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tomato, sliced
- Lettuce Leaves (Romaine or Iceberg)
- Pickles (optional)
- Mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, let cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Cook the Bacon: Place bacon strips in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden brown (8-12 minutes). Remove from skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Set aside.
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Divide into 6 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Burger Patties (Choose one method):
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Skillet Cooking: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place patties in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt. You can add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to help the cheese melt faster. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
- Broiling: Preheat broiler to high. Place patties on a broiler pan. Broil for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. Keep a close eye on the burgers to prevent burning. During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt. Remove from broiler and let rest for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Burgers: Lightly toast the burger buns. Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the top and bottom buns. Place lettuce leaves on the bottom bun. Top with a slice of tomato and a few slices of red onion. Place the cheeseburger patty on top of the vegetables. Generously slather the burger patty with the prepared BBQ sauce. Top with 2-3 strips of crispy bacon (or crumbled bacon, if you prefer). Add pickles, if desired. Place the top bun on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the ground beef when forming the patties, as this can result in tough burgers.
- Refrigerating the patties for at least 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- The indentation in the center of the patties prevents them from puffing up in the middle while cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time of the burgers to your desired level of doneness.
- The BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a sweeter BBQ sauce, add a little more brown sugar. For more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes