Smoky Bacon BBQ Burger

Prepare for a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and satisfies your deepest burger cravings. Imagine: a perfectly seasoned, juicy burger patty, draped in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, crowned with crispy, smoky bacon, all nestled within a lightly toasted bun. These aren’t just any burgers; these are BBQ Bacon Burgers, an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures designed to be savored with messy hands and a happy heart. Get ready to pile them high with your favorite toppings and discover the ultimate burger experience you’ve been dreaming of.

BBQ Bacon Burgers on a wooden board with tater tots, showcasing a mouth-watering stacked burger with cheese, bacon, and sauce.

Why This BBQ Bacon Burger Recipe is a Must-Try

BBQ Bacon Burgers are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of classic American comfort food, elevated to gourmet status with a few simple yet impactful techniques. This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a meticulously crafted formula ensuring an explosion of flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re hosting a lively backyard barbecue, preparing a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner, or looking for that crowd-pleasing dish for any gathering, these burgers are an absolute winner. Their universal appeal makes them a guaranteed hit with family and friends alike.

The magic begins with our perfectly seasoned patties. We go beyond mere salt and pepper, creating a robust spice rub featuring aromatic garlic powder, a hint of sweet brown sugar, a touch of savory chili powder, a dash of fiery hot sauce, and the unmistakable depth of liquid smoke. This thoughtful blend penetrates the ground beef, infusing it with layers of complex flavors that sing on the grill. But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. Imagine the rich, savory notes of crisp bacon mingling with the sweet, caramelized red onion, the fresh brightness of a ripe tomato, and the irresistible tang of your favorite barbecue sauce. This harmonious combination guarantees that these burgers will be devoured eagerly, perhaps even before you’ve had a chance to set out the accompanying side dishes.

One of the greatest joys of burger-making is the endless array of topping possibilities. While the classic trio of crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, thinly sliced onion, crunchy pickles, and melty cheese are always fantastic choices, this recipe invites you to get creative. For an extra layer of texture and an undeniable “wow” factor, consider adding crispy, golden onion rings directly onto your burger. They provide a delightful crunch that complements the juicy patty and tender bacon beautifully. Or, serve them on the side for an equally satisfying experience. From avocado slices to fried eggs, jalapeños to sautéed mushrooms, the sky truly is the limit when it comes to customizing your BBQ bacon burger. Embrace your inner chef and experiment with combinations that speak to your palate!

Hand holding up a BBQ Bacon Burger, showing off its generous layers of cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate BBQ Bacon Burger

Crafting the perfect BBQ Bacon Burger starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, you can refer to the printable recipe card towards the end of this post, ensuring you have all the details at your fingertips for a seamless cooking experience.

A flat lay image displaying all the fresh ingredients needed for BBQ Bacon Burgers, including ground beef, spices, bacon, onions, and cheese.

Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions

GROUND BEEF: The foundation of any great burger is the patty, and the choice of ground beef plays a crucial role in its juiciness and flavor. We highly recommend using 85/15 ground beef for our burger patties. This ratio, consisting of 85% lean meat and 15% fat, strikes the perfect balance, ensuring your burgers remain incredibly juicy and tender even after grilling. The fat content renders down during cooking, keeping the meat moist and contributing significantly to the overall flavor. While 80/20 ground beef is also a popular choice and works well, it will result in a slightly richer and fattier burger. If you opt for leaner cuts like ground sirloin, be mindful that they tend to dry out more quickly when cooked due to their lower fat content. To counteract this, you might consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the mixture, or cooking them for a shorter period.

THE SEASONING BLEND: Our unique seasoning blend is what transforms simple ground beef into a flavor powerhouse. The combination of garlic powder, brown sugar, chili powder, hot sauce, and liquid smoke creates a complex profile that is savory, subtly sweet, a little spicy, and wonderfully smoky. Feel free to adjust these to your preference: for more heat, increase the hot sauce; for a sweeter profile, add a touch more brown sugar. If you don’t have liquid smoke, a pinch of smoked paprika can offer a similar smoky depth.

BACON: Crispy bacon is non-negotiable for a BBQ Bacon Burger! We suggest a good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. Seasoning it with Montreal steak seasoning before cooking adds an extra layer of savory spice that complements the beef. Any bacon variety will work, but for a truly luxurious burger, consider using applewood smoked bacon.

RED ONION: Caramelized red onion adds a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors of the burger and bacon. Cooking the red onion rings in the residual bacon grease is a stroke of genius, infusing them with an incredible depth of flavor. If you prefer a sharper, more pungent flavor, you can certainly leave the red onion raw and slice it thinly. For those who enjoy a milder onion, yellow or white onion can be used, though red onion offers a beautiful color contrast.

CHEESE: Melty cheddar cheese is a classic for a reason, providing a sharp, savory creaminess that binds all the flavors together. However, don’t hesitate to explore other cheese options to match your preference! Pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick, American cheese offers ultimate meltiness and a nostalgic diner feel, and Monterey Jack cheese provides a mild, creamy texture. Swiss, provolone, or even a smoked gouda could also be delightful variations.

BARBECUE SAUCE: The star of the show! A good quality bottled barbecue sauce is perfectly acceptable and convenient. Choose your favorite, whether it’s sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. You can also elevate your burger by using a homemade barbecue sauce. Brushing it onto the burger patty in the final minutes of cooking, and adding an extra dollop on the bun, ensures maximum flavor.

BUNS: A sturdy yet soft hamburger bun is essential to hold everything together. Brioche buns offer a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture, while classic sesame seed buns provide a satisfying bite. Toasting the buns is crucial; it prevents them from getting soggy and adds a pleasant crispness.

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: Beyond the core ingredients, your burger can be a canvas for creativity! Fresh lettuce (iceberg, romaine, or butter lettuce work well), dill pickle slices, and additional tomato slices are highly recommended. Consider adding crispy fried onions for an extra layer of crunch, a creamy avocado mash, a fried egg for richness, or even a dollop of coleslaw for a fresh, tangy element. The possibilities are truly endless!

Crafting Your BBQ Bacon Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide

These detailed step-by-step photos and instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe located at the very bottom of this post.

Begin by preheating your grill to a consistent 400°F (200°C). Achieving the correct temperature is key for an evenly cooked burger.
Place the ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is spacious enough to allow for thorough mixing of the seasonings.
In a separate small bowl, combine the garlic powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. Use gloved hands to mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Then, add this seasoning blend directly to the ground beef. Continue mixing with gloved hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This ensures every bite of your burger is packed with flavor.
Now, add the liquid smoke and hot sauce to the seasoned ground beef. Once again, use gloved hands to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Divide the seasoned meat into 4 equal portions and carefully form them into round patties. As you form each patty, use your finger to create a shallow indent in the center.
EXPERT TIP – Creating a slight indent in the center of each hamburger patty is a simple yet effective trick. This prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle during cooking, ensuring it remains flat and cooks more evenly for a perfect bun-to-burger ratio.
Season your bacon with Montreal steak seasoning for an extra layer of savory flavor. Cook the bacon in a skillet or on a flat top grill until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Keep the bacon grease in the skillet for the next step.
Take the sliced red onion rings and cook them directly in the bacon grease that remains in the skillet. Sauté the onions until they become tender and slightly caramelized, absorbing all that delicious smoky flavor from the bacon.
Carefully place your burger patties on the preheated grill, making sure the indented side is facing upwards. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on the first side. Flip the burgers over and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
A couple of minutes before your burgers are fully cooked and ready to be removed from the grill, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Close the grill lid (if applicable) or cover the burgers to allow the cheese to melt into a wonderfully gooey, irresistible layer.
Once the burgers are removed from the grill, place your hamburger buns face down on the hot grill grates. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and slightly crisp. This adds a fantastic texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Finally, it’s time to assemble your masterpieces! Spread your favorite barbecue sauce generously on both halves of the toasted bun. Place a cheesy burger patty, then pile on the crispy bacon, tender caramelized red onions, fresh tomato slices, and any other desired condiments and toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Burgers

How do you store leftover BBQ bacon burgers?

For the best possible flavor and texture, BBQ Bacon Burgers are ideally enjoyed fresh off the grill. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, you can easily store the cooked burger patties. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s best to store the patties separately from the buns and other moist toppings (like lettuce and tomato) to prevent the bun from becoming soggy. When ready to reheat, place the patties in a 400°F (200°C) oven or a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly warmed through, typically around 10 minutes or less. Reassemble your reheated patties with fresh buns and toppings for a delicious second meal.

How can I tell if my burger is cooked to the right doneness?

The most accurate way to check the internal temperature of a burger is with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); medium is 140-145°F (60-63°C); medium-well is 150-155°F (66-68°C); and well-done is 160°F (71°C) or higher. Insert the thermometer into the side of the patty, making sure it goes into the thickest part without touching the grill grates.

Can I cook these burgers indoors?

Absolutely! While grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor, these burgers can be just as delicious cooked indoors. You can use a large cast-iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed pan, or an indoor electric grill. For skillet cooking, heat a small amount of oil (or a bit of the bacon grease) over medium-high heat, then cook the patties for 4-6 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. The caramelized onions and bacon can still be prepared on the stovetop.

What’s the best way to prevent the grill from flaring up?

Flare-ups are common when grilling fatty meats like burgers and bacon. To minimize them, ensure your grill grates are clean before you start. If a flare-up occurs, you can move the burgers to a cooler part of the grill temporarily. For small flare-ups, a spray bottle filled with water can be used to lightly mist the flames without extinguishing the coals or heat source. Avoid pressing down on the burgers with a spatula, as this squeezes out flavorful juices and can lead to more flare-ups.

BBQ Bacon Burgers on a wooden board, showcasing a ready-to-eat burger with all the fixings.

Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions

While a BBQ Bacon Burger is a magnificent meal in itself, particularly with its melty cheddar cheese, tender caramelized red onion, and thick-sliced tomato, pairing it with the right side dishes and additional toppings can transform your dining experience. Think of your burger as the star, and the sides as its perfect supporting cast.

For an unparalleled textural contrast, don’t overlook adding more crispy elements. As mentioned, golden onion rings or store-bought crispy fried onions are fantastic additions, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the juicy patty and savory bacon beautifully. Another delightful option is a generous spoonful of creamy coleslaw directly on the burger for a fresh, tangy, and crunchy bite. For a spicy kick, pickled jalapeños or a fiery sauce can be added.

When it comes to side dishes, the choices are virtually limitless! Classic pairings include perfectly golden french fries, sweet potato fries with a hint of cinnamon, or crispy tater tots. For a heartier meal, consider baked beans simmered with brown sugar and bacon, or a scoop of creamy potato salad. Lighter, fresher options include a crisp garden salad, a vibrant corn on the cob, or fresh fruit salad for a sweet contrast. Don’t forget other American favorites like jalapeño poppers for a cheesy, spicy treat, or even a simple bowl of potato chips for an effortless crunch. No matter what you choose, these BBQ Bacon Burgers are versatile enough to shine alongside a wide array of culinary companions.

Discover More Delectable Burger & Sandwich Creations

If you’ve fallen in love with these BBQ Bacon Burgers, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic burger and sandwich recipes. From classic comforting dishes to exciting new flavors, there’s always something new to try in your kitchen:

Patty Melt: A griddled delight with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on rye bread.
Smash Burger: Thin, crispy-edged patties for an intensely flavorful experience.
Cheeseburger Sliders: Perfect mini-burgers for parties or a fun family meal.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs: All the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a bite-sized format.
Buffalo Burger: A lean, flavorful alternative for burger enthusiasts.
Taco Burger: A fusion of your favorite taco flavors in a burger form.

I absolutely adore cooking and baking, and I find immense joy in sharing my kitchen experiences and culinary creations with all of you! Remembering to check back for new recipes daily can be a challenge, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes, ensuring you never miss out on delicious inspiration!

Close up photo of a BBQ Bacon Burger, ready to be eaten.

BBQ Bacon Burgers

Perfectly seasoned BBQ bacon burger patties get a rub down with garlic powder, brown sugar, chili powder, hot sauce, and liquid smoke ensuring an explosion of flavor in every bite.

5 from 3 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course:
Dinner

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

4
burgers

35
mins

Calories:
862

Author:
Amanda Davis

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef 85/15
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon hot sauce
1 Tablespoon liquid smoke
12 ounces bacon
Montreal steak seasoning to taste
½ red onion sliced into rings
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
bottled barbecue sauce to taste

Optional Toppings

tomato sliced
pickles
lettuce

Things You’ll Need

Grill
Large skillet or flat top grill plate
Mixing bowls
Vinyl gloves

Before You Begin

The nutrition facts listed below does not include barbecue sauce. Refer to the back of the individual bottle you choose for serving size and nutrition.
We are using a grill, however your burgers can be cooked in a skillet or on an indoor grill.
If the flame on your grill flares up, you can mist it lightly with a spray bottle of water.
We prefer to use 85/15 ground beef for our burger patties, though you can also use 80/20. Relying on a little bit of fat percentage is what helps the burgers stay juicy and tender when cooked. You can use ground sirloin instead of ground beef, but it’s typically leaner and therefore drier when cooked.
The toppings all come down to preference, but we would suggest red onion, tomato, cheddar cheese, and of course, barbecue sauce. Other great options include lettuce, pickles, crispy fried onions, or onion rings. You can substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack, American, or Monterey jack cheese if desired. If preferred, you can leave the red onion raw instead of sauteeing them in the bacon grease.

Instructions

Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. Using gloved hands, combine these ingredients with your fingers. Add seasoning to the ground beef.
Add liquid smoke and hot sauce to the ground beef. Use gloved hands to combine everything together. Divide meat into 4 equal pieces and form into patties. Use your finger to create an indent in the center of each patty.*

TIP – Creating an indent in the center of each hamburger patty keeps the burger from puffing up in the center.
Season bacon with Montreal steak seasoning and cook in a skillet or flat top grill until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Cook red onion rings in bacon grease until tender.
Place burgers on preheated grill, indent side up. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip over and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Add cheese slices a couple minutes before burgers are ready to be removed from the grill.
Toast buns on the grill after removing the burgers.
Assemble sandwiches with your favorite condiments and toppings. Don’t forget the barbecue sauce!

Nutrition

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.