Burgers & Patties

BBQ Bacon Burgers

Name: BBQ Bacon Burgers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 6 slices of bacon; 1 cup (115g) cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauce; 4 hamburger buns; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

By Sam Carter · June 18, 2026 · Burgers & Patties

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total35 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made BBQ bacon burgers for my family. It was a warm summer evening, and we were all gathered in the backyard, waiting for the burgers to finish cooking on the grill. The smell of sizzling bacon and melting cheese filled the air, and everyone's stomach was growling in anticipation. When I finally served the burgers, the reaction was unanimous: these were the best burgers we'd ever had.

What makes these BBQ bacon burgers so special? For starters, the combination of crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce is absolute perfection. But it's not just about the toppings - the burgers themselves are made with high-quality ground beef, cooked to a perfect medium-rare and served on a toasted bun.

I love making these burgers for weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings because they're easy to customize and can be made in large quantities. Whether you're serving a crowd or just your immediate family, these BBQ bacon burgers are sure to be a hit. And the best part? They can be ready in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make these delicious BBQ bacon burgers. From browning the bacon to assembling the burgers, I'll share my tips and tricks for getting the most flavor out of each component. So let's get started and make some amazing BBQ bacon burgers!

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve the burgers on their own, or paired with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables. You can also customize the toppings to your liking, adding or subtracting ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These BBQ bacon burgers are easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce is absolute perfection.
You can customize the toppings to your liking, adding or subtracting ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
The burgers are made with high-quality ground beef, cooked to a perfect medium-rare and served on a toasted bun.
These burgers are perfect for outdoor gatherings and can be made in large quantities to serve a crowd.
The recipe is versatile and can be paired with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great BBQ bacon burgers is to cook the bacon and burgers separately, then assemble them just before serving. This allows you to get a nice crispy texture on the bacon and a perfect medium-rare on the burgers. It also helps to prevent the burgers from getting soggy or overcooked.

Another important factor is the type of ground beef you use. I recommend using a high-quality ground beef with a fat content of at least 20%. This will help the burgers stay juicy and flavorful, even when cooked to a medium-rare. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor and texture.

The barbecue sauce is also a crucial component of these burgers. I like to use a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the bacon and the richness of the cheese. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own using a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious BBQ bacon burgers, you'll need a few key ingredients. First, you'll need some high-quality ground beef with a fat content of at least 20%. You'll also need some crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce. In addition to these main ingredients, you'll need some basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and olive oil.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can find. Look for ground beef that is fresh and has a good fat content, and choose a bacon that is thick and smoky. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor and texture.

1 lb (450g) ground beefI recommend using a high-quality ground beef with a fat content of at least 20% for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor and texture.
6 slices of baconThick and smoky bacon works best for this recipe. Look for a bacon that is at least 1/4 inch thick and has a good balance of smoky and savory flavors.
1 cup (115g) cheddar cheese, shreddedA sharp cheddar cheese works best for this recipe, as it will melt well and add a rich, tangy flavor to the burgers.
1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauceI recommend using a tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the bacon and the richness of the cheese. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own using a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
4 hamburger bunsSoft and lightly toasted buns work best for this recipe. Look for buns that are fresh and have a light, airy texture.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the grill and prevent the burgers from sticking. You can also use other oils like canola or avocado oil if you prefer.
1 teaspoon saltSalt is used to season the burgers and bring out their natural flavors. I recommend using a flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a subtle kick to the burgers. I recommend using freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powderGarlic powder is used to add a subtle depth of flavor to the burgers. I recommend using a high-quality garlic powder that is fresh and has a good balance of sweet and savory flavors.
1/4 teaspoon onion powderOnion powder is used to add a subtle depth of flavor to the burgers. I recommend using a high-quality onion powder that is fresh and has a good balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large grill or grill panCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoonsSpatulaTongs

How to Make BBQ Bacon Burgers

1
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat.
3
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick.
4
Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent the burgers from sticking. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5
While the burgers are cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 6-8 minutes, or until it is crispy and golden brown.
6
Once the burgers are cooked, assemble the burgers by placing a cooked patty on each bun. Top each patty with a slice of cheese, a few slices of bacon, and a spoonful of barbecue sauce.
7
Place the buns under the broiler for a few seconds to melt the cheese and toast the buns.
8
Serve the burgers immediately and enjoy!
9
To add some extra flavor to the burgers, you can top them with some sliced onions, pickles, or jalapenos.
10
You can also serve the burgers with some sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables.
11
To make the burgers more substantial, you can add some extra ingredients, such as a fried egg or a slice of ham.

Expert Tips

Make sure to handle the meat gently when forming the patties, as overworking the meat can make it dense and tough.
Don't press down on the burgers with your spatula while they are cooking, as this can squeeze out the juices and make the burgers dry.
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the burgers to stay moist.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, as this will ensure that they are cooked to a safe temperature.
Don't overcook the burgers, as this can make them dry and tough.
Use a cast-iron skillet or a grill pan to cook the burgers, as these will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the burgers from sticking.
Add some extra flavor to the burgers by topping them with some caramelized onions or mushrooms.
Serve the burgers on a toasted bun, as this will help to add some extra texture and flavor to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the meat when forming the patties, which can make the burgers dense and tough.
Pressing down on the burgers with your spatula while they are cooking, which can squeeze out the juices and make the burgers dry.
Not letting the burgers rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the burgers to become dry.
Overcooking the burgers, which can make them dry and tough.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, which can make them unsafe to eat.
Not handling the meat safely, which can cause foodborne illness.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding some diced onions or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Using a different type of cheese, such as Swiss or provolone, for a unique flavor.
Adding some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
Using a different type of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, for a unique flavor.
Adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Using a different type of bun, such as a brioche or pretzel bun, for a unique texture and flavor.
Adding some caramelized onions or mushrooms to the top of the burgers for extra flavor and texture.

What to Serve With BBQ Bacon Burgers

These BBQ bacon burgers are perfect for serving at outdoor gatherings or backyard barbecues. You can serve them on their own, or paired with some sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables. You can also customize the toppings to your liking, adding or subtracting ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Some other ideas for serving these burgers include topping them with some sliced onions, pickles, or jalapenos, or serving them with some extra sides like fries or a salad. You can also use a different type of bun, such as a brioche or pretzel bun, for a unique texture and flavor.

ColeslawBaked beansGrilled vegetablesFriesSalad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

These BBQ bacon burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store them in the refrigerator, simply place the cooked burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the burgers, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the burgers to an airtight container or freezer bag and store at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

To reheat the burgers, simply place them in the microwave or oven until they are heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill or in a skillet on the stovetop.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long the burgers have been stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use for these burgers?

I recommend using a high-quality ground beef with a fat content of at least 20% for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor and texture.

How do I cook the bacon for these burgers?

To cook the bacon, simply place it in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until it is crispy and golden brown. You can also cook the bacon in the oven if you prefer.

What type of cheese is best for these burgers?

I recommend using a sharp cheddar cheese for these burgers, as it will melt well and add a rich, tangy flavor to the burgers. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Swiss or provolone, for a unique flavor.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these burgers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to serve them. Simply cook the burgers and assemble them just before serving.

How do I reheat the burgers?

To reheat the burgers, simply place them in the microwave or oven until they are heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill or in a skillet on the stovetop.

Can I customize the toppings for these burgers?

Yes, you can customize the toppings for these burgers to your liking. Some ideas include adding sliced onions, pickles, or jalapenos, or using a different type of cheese or bun.

Are these burgers safe to eat?

Yes, these burgers are safe to eat as long as you handle the meat safely and cook them to the recommended internal temperature. Make sure to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, and cook them until they reach 160°F (71°C) for medium-rare or 170°F (77°C) for medium-well.

Can I freeze the burgers?

Yes, you can freeze the burgers for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the burgers to an airtight container or freezer bag and store at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

The Full Recipe

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