Comforting BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger
A juicy, smoky, and flavorful BBQ bacon cheddar burger made with simple ingredients, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- Lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Red onion slices (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands without overworking.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick patty, making a slight indentation in the center with your thumb.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates or add a tablespoon of bacon grease/oil to the pan.
- Place patties on the grill or pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side. Flip carefully, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese, and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
- Toast burger buns cut-side down on the grill or pan for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.
- Assemble burgers by spreading BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, then adding lettuce, cheesy patty, crispy bacon, tomato, onion, and pickles if using. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve immediately while cheese is melty and bacon is crispy.
Notes
Do not overwork the meat to keep patties juicy. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Rest patties for a couple of minutes after cooking. Use bacon grease to add flavor when cooking patties. For a lighter option, swap ground beef with turkey or chicken. For gluten-free, use lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns. Vegetarian option: use plant-based patties and skip bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 37
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 38
Keywords: BBQ bacon cheddar burger, homemade burger, easy burger recipe, backyard barbecue, comfort food, grilled burger