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Loaded BBQ Cheeseburger

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Burgers

Equipment

  • Grill or stovetop griddle
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Small saucepan optional for heating BBQ sauce

Ingredients
  

For the Patties

  • 1 lb ground beef 80% lean
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

For Assembly

  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese or your favorite melting cheese
  • 4 slices of cooked bacon
  • 4 brioche buns lightly toasted
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite variety
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 tomato slices
  • Pickles optional

Optional Toppings

  • Jalapeño slices for some heat
  • Avocado slices for creaminess
  • Caramelized onions for added sweetness

Instructions
 

Prepare the Patties

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix to combine without overworking the meat. Divide into four equal portions and form into patties, pressing slightly in the center to create an indentation (this helps with even cooking).
    four evenly shaped raw beef patties placed on a parchment-lined surface

Cook the Patties

  1. Heat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Add a slice of cheese on top during the last minute of cooking to melt.
    four beef patties cooking on a grill

Toast the Buns

  1. Lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill or griddle for 1-2 minutes, until golden and warm.

Assemble the Burgers

  1. Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom bun.
  2. Place a lettuce leaf and tomato slice on top.
  3. Add the cheesy burger patty.
  4. Top with crispy bacon, fried onions, and any other optional toppings like pickles or jalapeños.
  5. Spread more BBQ sauce on the top bun and place it on top.

Serve

  1. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and a big stack of napkins—you’ll need them!