Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 strips bacon, diced
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
  • 4 burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, pickles for garnish

Prepare

Preheat grill to medium.

In a bowl combine beef, garlic, hot sauce, salt and pepper, to taste, being careful not to over mix. Warm a skillet over medium heat and fry bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep heat on skillet and fry a pinch of the beef in the bacon fat to test seasoning.

Adjust seasoning, if needed, then form 8 even thin patties, about 1/2-inch thick and set aside.

Saute onions in bacon fat in skillet until tender, 5 minutes. Place onions and bacon in a bowl with cheese.

Form a spoonful of bacon-cheese mixture into a ball, then place in the center of 4 patties.

Top each with another patty and seal the edges. Grill burgers over medium-high heat, flipping once until desired doneness is reached, approximately 4 minutes each side for medium. Serve in buns with garnishes.

Alternative: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, sear the burgers 4 minutes on each side.