Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined; do not overwork. Divide into 2 equal portions and form into patties about 4.5 inches (11 cm) across and roughly 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick, making a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing while cooking.

Preheat pan or grill

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot. If using a skillet, add 1 tsp neutral oil and spread to coat. The cooking surface should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates.

Cook the bacon

In a separate skillet over medium heat, lay the bacon strips in a single layer and cook until crisp around the edges but still slightly chewy, about 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. For extra smoky flavor, cook slightly longer until crisp to your preference.

Cook patties and melt cheese

Place the formed patties on the hot skillet or grill. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook the second side 2–3 minutes for medium (internal temp ~140–145°F / 60–63°C). During the last minute of cooking, place two cheddar slices on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese, about 30–60 seconds.

Toast buns

While the patties rest, butter the cut sides of the buns. Place buns butter-side down on a skillet or grill over medium heat and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Assemble burgers

Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun and 1/2 tsp mustard on the top half. Place a lettuce leaf on the mayo, then the cheese-topped patty, top each patty with two slices of cooked bacon, 2 pickle slices, tomato slice, and a few rings of red onion. Cap with the top bun.

Serve

Let assembled burgers rest 1–2 minutes to allow juices to settle, then serve immediately while hot.