Bacon Cheeseburgers
Loaded with crispy bacon, savory onion, and melted cheese, these burgers are packed with flavor and easy to make. Ideal for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners!
Fire up the grill or heat a skillet and make these bacon cheeseburgers, packed with smoky diced bacon right in the patties for unbeatable flavor. Juicy ground beef, savory onion, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce create the perfect base, while melted cheese takes them over the top. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing burger that’s perfect for weeknights or backyard barbecues.
They’re easy to prepare yet packed with rich, savory flavor—ideal for a casual family dinner, backyard barbecue, or game-day meal.
Tips
- For the juiciest burgers, use an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio (80% lean beef and 20% fat). Leaner beef, such as 90/10, will be drier and less flavorful.
- Avoid overmixing the beef mixture; handle it gently to keep the patties tender.
- For better shape and even cooking, press a small dimple in the center of each patty before grilling.
- If possible, chill the shaped patties in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking; this helps them hold their shape.
- Let the cooked burgers rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Make Ahead: Shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on toasted brioche or sesame buns, accompanied by a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad.
- Pair with coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a backyard barbecue meal.
- Add a pickle spear and a handful of kettle chips for an easy, casual dinner.
Optional Toppings
- Crisp lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickles for a classic finish.
- Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra savory flavor.
- Avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy twist.
- Jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.
- Barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite burger sauce for more flavor variety.
How to Store, Reheat, and Make Ahead
Refrigerate: Store cooked burger patties (with or without cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep buns and toppings separate for the best texture.
Freeze Cooked Patties: Wrap cooked patties individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Freeze Uncooked Patties: Shape the patties, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
To Reheat: Warm cooked burger patties in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the patties rubbery.
Bacon Cheeseburgers
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon, diced
- 2 pounds ground beef, about 85% to 90% lean
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Dash ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 to 6 slices American cheese, alternatives: Muenster, mozzarella, or cheddar jack
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until most of the fat has rendered and the pieces are almost crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and cool slightly.
- Mix the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, drained diced bacon, minced onion, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into 6 large burger patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
- Cook the Burgers: Grill, broil, or cook the patties in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until they reach your desired doneness. • For rare: about 4 minutes total (2 minutes per side). • For medium-rare: about 6 minutes total (3 minutes per side). • For medium: about 8 minutes total (4 minutes per side). • For well-done: about 10 minutes total.The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety, regardless of desired doneness.
- Add the Cheese and Serve: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese. Cover the grill or skillet to help the cheese melt. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
