Bacon Hamburger Recipe

Prepare beef mixture

Place 1 lb ground beef in a bowl. Add 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — avoid overworking to keep patties tender.

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Form each portion into a round patty about 3.5-4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming as they cook.

Cook burgers

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp vegetable oil, or preheat a grill to medium-high. When the surface is hot and shimmering, place the patties in the pan or on the grill, leaving space between them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes on the other side for medium doneness (adjust time for preferred doneness).

Add cheese

During the last 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid briefly to melt the cheese.

While the patties cook, place 6 slices of bacon in a cold skillet in a single layer. Turn heat to medium. Cook, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp and evenly browned, 8–12 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Alternatively, bake bacon on a rimmed sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12–18 minutes until crisp, then drain.

When ready to assemble, use 1–2 slices of bacon per burger (depending on preference). If you want bacon slightly warmed and crisper before serving, return bacon to the hot pan for 30 seconds per side.

Prepare produce: slice the tomato into 4 even slices, thinly slice the red onion, and set out 4 washed lettuce leaves and 8 pickle slices.

Toast buns: spread softened butter on cut sides of 4 buns. Toast buttered sides in a hot skillet or on a grill for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.

Sauce: spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on the top bun, 1 tbsp ketchup on the bottom bun and 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard on each bottom bun (distributed across 4 buns). Adjust to taste.

Assemble burgers: place the bottom bun (with ketchup and mustard) on a plate. Top with a lettuce leaf, a cheese-topped beef patty, 1–2 slices of bacon, a tomato slice, a few onion rings, and 2 pickle slices. Cap with the mayonnaise-spread top bun.

Serve immediately with desired sides.