Stony Plain Burger Recipe

Mix and divide

Place the ground chuck in a large bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands, gently combine until just mixed — do not overwork the meat. Divide into two equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.

Chill (optional)

If time allows, refrigerate the formed patties on a plate, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes to help them hold shape while cooking.

Prepare bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crisp, about 7–9 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Slice vegetables

While bacon cooks, thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Rinse and dry lettuce leaves. Set aside the measured cheddar slices and burger sauce.

Make Stony Plain sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dill pickle relish, smoked paprika, and optional hot sauce. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning if needed. Reserve about 1.5 tablespoons of sauce per burger (3 tbs total).

Toast buns

Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the buns. Place buns cut-side down on the skillet and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Cook patties

Increase heat to medium-high. Add a small drizzle of neutral oil to the skillet if needed. Place the patties onto the hot surface. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and immediately place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature ~150°F / 65°C). For more well-done, cook an additional 1–2 minutes. Remove patties to a plate and let rest 2–3 minutes.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of Stony Plain sauce onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf, the cheddar-topped patty, two bacon strips (arranged to cover), a tomato slice, and a few red onion slices. Spoon remaining sauce onto the top bun and close the burger. Secure with a toothpick if desired.

Serve the Stony Plain Burgers hot with fries, onion rings, or a simple salad. Provide extra sauce on the side. Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.