Western BBQ Burger
Juicy beef patties topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy BBQ sauce. A classic American burger that's ready in 30 minutes.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 32g
Ingredients
- ½ lb Ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slice Bacon strips
- 2 slice Cheddar cheese
- 2 bun Hamburger buns
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Butter
Instructions
- 1
Place the bacon strips flat side-by-side on a cold 12-inch skillet, with no overlap so each strip lies flat and can cook evenly on both sides.
- 2
Turn the heat to medium and cook the bacon, stirring once every 30 seconds, until it's reddish-brown and curling at the edges, about 7–8 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel to cool.
- 3
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions by placing it on a clean cutting board and gently cutting it in half with a knife, keeping the halves as compact as possible.
- 4
Using your hands, shape each beef portion into a patty about 0.75 inches thick and 3.5 inches across—it should be wider than the bun because it shrinks when cooked. Use your thumb to gently press a small indent into the center of each patty.
- 5
Raise the heat in the skillet to medium-high and wait for about 30 seconds; then place the two beef patties into the pan. You should hear a loud sizzle immediately.
- 6
Do not touch the patties for 3 minutes; this allows a brown crust to form on the bottom, which keeps juices inside. Resist the urge to press or flip early.
- 7
Using a metal spatula, flip each patty in one smooth motion and cook for 2 minutes more on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer inserted from the side.
- 8
While the second side cooks, place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty so it begins to melt from the residual heat.
- 9
Break each cooled bacon strip into two smaller pieces and place 4 pieces (2 strips' worth) on top of each patty, over the melting cheese.
- 10
Transfer both patties to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil while you toast the buns, about 2 minutes. This keeps them warm and the cheese stays melted.
- 11
Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel, then add 1 tablespoon of butter and place it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, about 30 seconds, place the two buns cut-side down into the pan.
- 12
Toast the buns for 90 seconds, until the cut side turns light golden brown and feels crispy to the touch. Remove to a clean cutting board.
- 13
Spread 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce evenly across the inside surface of each bun's bottom half using the back of a spoon.
- 14
Place one beef patty with bacon and cheese on top of the sauce on each bottom bun, then close the burger by placing the top bun on each patty.
- 15
Transfer both burgers to serving plates and serve immediately while the patties and cheese are still warm.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet
- cutting board
- knife
- metal spatula
- meat thermometer
- paper towels
- aluminum foil
- small spoon
- serving plates
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