Beef, Cheese & Bacon Burger

This isn't just a burger; it's a juicy, smoky, melty masterpiece. With a perfectly seasoned beef patty, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, all piled high on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings.

Serves: 6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties

• 800g lean beef mince

• ½ cup fine breadcrumbs

• ½ cup milk

• 3 tablespoons tomato sauce

• 1 large egg

• 1 heaped teaspoon chicken stock powder (or beef stock powder)

• Generous amount of freshly ground black pepper

• Oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil), for frying

  
  

Toppings & Assembly

• 6 short-cut bacon rashers

• 6 cheese slices (e.g., cheddar, American, or Swiss) or ¾ cup grated cheese

• 2 brown or red onions, thinly sliced (optional, for caramelized onions)

• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (for onions)

• 6 burger buns, toasted

  
  

Optional Serving Suggestions

• Shredded cos lettuce

• Fresh tomato slices

• Sliced canned beetroot

• Burger pickles

• Tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, or American mustard

• Butter for buns

  
  

Method

1. Prep the Breadcrumbs. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Set aside to soak for 5-10 minutes. This addition to the mince helps keep your beef patties moist and tender and bulks out the mixture so this recipe becomes quite economical as well!

2. Cook the Caramelized Onions (If using). While the breadcrumbs soak, melt the butter in a small frying pan over low heat. Add the sliced onions, season with salt then cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until they are soft, golden brown, and sweet. Do this whilst you are preparing your other ingredients. (Turn up the heat slightly in the last 2-3 minutes if you want crispy edges). Set aside.

3. Make the Burger Patties. In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, tomato sauce, stock powder, egg, and the soaked breadcrumb mixture.  Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.

Turn the mixture out onto a clean board. Form it into a large round approximately 1 ½ cm thick. Use a knife to divide the round into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into patties roughly 1cm thick. This step ensures even sized burgers. Season both sides generously with cracked black pepper. (No extra salt needed, the bacon and stock powder will provide the saltiness).

4. Cook the Bacon & Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Cook the bacon rashers in a large non-stick pan over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate. Don't wipe out the pan – keep that smoky bacon fat!

5. Sear the Patties. Add a drizzle of fresh oil to the same pan (with the bacon fat) and turn the heat to high. Carefully place the patties in the pan (you may need to work in two batches). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip only once.

6. Bake with Toppings. Transfer the seared patties to a baking paper-lined tray. Top each with a cooked bacon rasher and a cheese slice (or a sprinkle of grated cheese). Place the tray in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. While these are cooking in the oven, prepare any of the toppings you wish to use.

7. Rest & Toast. Remove the tray from the oven. Let the burgers rest on the tray while you toast your burger buns (cut-side down in a dry pan or under the grill).

8. Assemble Your Masterpiece. Spread butter onto toasted buns. Layer on shredded lettuce, tomato slices followed by the cheesy bacon burger patty. Pile on caramelized onions (if using),and then add any or all of the optional toppings. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes & Tips

• Stock powder swap: Chicken stock powder adds a great savory depth, but beef stock powder works wonderfully too.

• Cheat's caramelized onions: If you're short on time, use a purchased good quality onion jam or relish. Simply spoon it straight onto the patty.

• Make it your own: This is a blueprint! Swap the bacon for crispy prosciutto, use blue cheese for a tangy kick, or add a fried egg for breakfast-burger vibes. Mix and match any of the optional toppings to create your perfect, custom burger.