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Flavorful Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce

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A juicy, smoky bacon cheeseburger with melty cheddar and a tangy secret sauce that elevates this classic comfort food into a crave-worthy meal perfect for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced and caramelized (optional)
  • Fresh lettuce leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 6 burger buns, preferably brioche or potato buns
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you cook the rest (5 minutes).
  2. Cook the Bacon: Lay bacon slices on a cold cast iron skillet or baking sheet. Cook over medium heat until crispy, flipping as needed, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease (15-20 minutes).
  3. Caramelize the Onions (Optional): In the same pan, add thinly sliced red onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet (about 20 minutes).
  4. Form and Season the Patties: Divide ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 4.5 oz / 130g each). Shape into patties about ¾ inch thick, slightly wider than buns. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder (10 minutes).
  5. Cook the Burgers: Heat skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4 minutes on first side without moving. Flip and cook another 3 minutes until almost done. Add cheddar slice on each patty and cover pan or close grill lid to melt cheese for 1-2 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) (10 minutes).
  6. Toast the Buns: Lightly butter buns and toast cut-side down in skillet or grill until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread secret sauce on bottom and top buns. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, cheesy burger patty, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions if using. Finish with top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Let patties rest for a minute after cooking to lock in juices. Avoid pressing down on patties while cooking to keep them juicy. Secret sauce tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Bacon can be baked in oven for less mess. Caramelizing onions is optional but adds sweetness. For gluten-free, use almond or coconut flour buns or lettuce wraps. Vegan options available with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger, secret sauce, loaded burger, easy burger recipe, backyard cookout, comfort food

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