Bronco Burger Recipe

Mix and form

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix with your hands until just combined—do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and form into patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to reduce dome-shaped puffing while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. When shimmering, place the patties in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for medium (internal temp ~140-145°F / 60-63°C). During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar, cover the pan briefly or place a lid to melt the cheese. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to rest for 3 minutes.

Cook bacon

While patties rest, in the same skillet over medium heat cook bacon slices until crisp, about 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Sauté onions & peppers

Use any bacon fat left in the skillet (if excessive, spoon off to leave about 1 tsp). Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and brown mustard. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust — add more ketchup for sweetness or mustard for tang. This is the Bronco sauce.

Toast buns

Lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns. Return the skillet to medium heat and toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so they don't burn.

Assemble the Bronco Burger: Spread roughly 1 tablespoon of the sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheese-topped patty on the sauce, then arrange two slices of crispy bacon across the patty. Spoon the sautéed onions and peppers over the bacon. Add pickles to the top bun and spread remaining sauce on the top if desired. Close the burger and press gently. Serve immediately.