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Ultimate Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe w/ Caramelized Onions

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Beef Bacon Cheeseburgers topped with sweet, caramelized onions. This gourmet burger experience combines juicy beef patties, crispy beef bacon, and melted cheese for a truly unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 68 slices of beef bacon
  • Sharp cheddar or American cheese (slices)
  • 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Soft brioche or potato buns
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Ketchup, mustard, or special sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow work great).
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This is where patience pays off!
  4. Continue cooking for 30-45 minutes (or even longer, up to an hour), until the onions are deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan.
  5. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Place 6-8 slices of beef bacon in a cold skillet (or on a baking sheet for oven cooking).
  7. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. If oven baking, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispiness.
  8. Remove the beef bacon from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Break into halves or thirds if desired.
  9. Gently divide 1.5 lbs of 80/20 ground beef into 6 equal portions.
  10. Form each portion into a patty, slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink when cooked. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can make them tough.
  11. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burger from puffing up into a ball while cooking.
  12. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  13. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil if using a skillet (or cook in a bit of the reserved beef bacon fat for extra flavor!).
  14. Place the seasoned burger patties in the hot pan/on the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired doneness. Avoid pressing down on the patties, as this squeezes out the delicious juices.
  15. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the pan with a lid (or tent with foil on the grill) for 30 seconds to a minute, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, savory blanket.
  16. Remove the burgers from heat and let them rest for a minute or two.
  17. While the burgers are resting, lightly butter the cut sides of your brioche or potato buns.
  18. Place them cut-side down in the same hot skillet (or on the grill) for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden brown and toasted. This prevents sogginess and adds texture.
  19. Place the bottom half of a toasted bun on your plate.
  20. Layer with a juicy cheeseburger patty.
  21. Top generously with a spoonful or two of the sweet, savory caramelized onions.
  22. Add a few pieces of crispy beef bacon.
  23. Place the top bun on, and serve immediately with your favorite condiments. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Keywords: For perfectly caramelized onions, be patient and cook them low and slow. Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking and consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra sweetness.