Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

Form patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Cook the patties

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When the pan is hot and shimmering, add burgers (work in batches if necessary). Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a good crust forms, then flip. Immediately place one slice of cheese on each patty and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). If using multiple patties and your pan is crowded, reduce heat slightly to avoid burning. Remove cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest while finishing bacon and toasting buns.

While burgers rest, cook bacon. Two methods: Pan: In a separate skillet over medium heat, add bacon in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and bake 12-18 minutes until crisp. Transfer to paper towels.

If you prefer, reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat and add to the burger pan when searing the patties for extra flavor.

Prepare sauce: In a small bowl mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning or ratios to preference. This yields more sauce than strictly needed; reserve excess in refrigerator for other uses.

Slice tomato into 4 even slices and thinly slice the red onion into rings. Separate and dry lettuce leaves.

Toast buns: Spread softened butter evenly on cut sides of sesame buns. Return skillet to medium heat (wipe out any burnt bits) and place buns buttered-side down in the pan. Toast until golden, 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, toast under a broiler for 30-60 seconds while watching closely.

Assemble: Spread about 1 tablespoon sauce on each bun bottom. Place lettuce leaf, tomato slice, and burger patty with melted cheese on each bun. Top each patty with 1-2 slices of bacon (arrange 1-2 slices per burger depending on how you like it) and 2 pickle slices and some onion rings. Add top bun and serve immediately.

Serve hot with fries or chips. Internal temperature guidance: 160°F (71°C) for well-done ground beef per food-safety recommendations. Store any leftover components (sauce, cooked patties, bacon) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out. Contains allergens: beef, milk (cheese), pork (bacon), sesame (buns), soy/wheat may be present in buns or condiments — check labels if needed.