Mighty Meaty Recipe
Make Mighty Meaty Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties
Bacon & Cheese
Sauce
Toppings & Assembly
Method
Burger Patties
- 1
Prepare aromatics
Peel and finely grate the yellow onion on a box grater or pulse in a food processor until it measures about 1/2 cup. Squeeze lightly in a paper towel if excessively wet — you want moisture but not a dripping mixture.
- 2
Mix the meat
In a large bowl combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently combine until evenly mixed. Do not overwork the meat — mix just until ingredients are distributed (about 30–45 seconds).
- 3
Form patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each). Lightly shape each portion into a 3/4-inch thick patty, creating a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.
- 4
Chill briefly
Place formed patties on a tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Chilling firms the patties so they hold shape when cooking.
- 5
Cook patties
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat. When the pan is hot and just barely smoking, add two patties without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms, then flip and cook 2–3 minutes more. Reduce heat to medium-low, place a slice of cheddar on each patty, and cover the pan or add a lid for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Wipe pan if necessary and repeat with remaining oil and patties.
Bacon & Cheese
- 6
- 7
Crisp finish (optional)
For extra crispness, place cooked bacon on a baking sheet and heat under a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 3–4 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Sauce
- 8
Make the sauce
In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, hot sauce (if using), and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch of salt or more hot sauce if desired. Refrigerate until assembly.
Toppings & Assembly
- 9
- 10
- 11
Assemble Mighty Meaty burgers
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a handful (~1/2 cup) of shredded lettuce, then place a cheese-topped patty on each. Lay two slices of bacon across each patty, then add a tomato slice, a couple of pickle slices, and a few rings of red onion. Spoon another teaspoon of sauce on the top bun and close the burger. If desired, secure with a skewer and let rest 1 minute before serving so juices settle.
- 12
Serving suggestion
Serve immediately with fries, onion rings, or a side salad. Leftover sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
