Easy Bacon, Onion, and Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Recipe View In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions (approximately 1/4 pound each). Gently shape each portion into a thin patty. Lay the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Place the bacon lardons in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. (8 minutes)

Recipe View Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and deeply caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. The onions should be a rich, golden-brown color. (20 minutes)

Recipe View In a small bowl, combine the cooked bacon and caramelized onions. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) and lightly oil the grates. Alternatively, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Remove the beef patties from the refrigerator. Top 6 patties with approximately 1-1/2 tablespoons of the bacon and onion mixture, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Top each with one of the remaining patties, gently pressing the edges together to seal and ensure the cheese doesn't leak out during grilling. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Grill the stuffed patties for approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). If using a skillet, cook for 5-6 minutes per side. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving. (15 minutes)

Recipe View Serve the burgers immediately on your favorite hamburger buns with your desired condiments. Consider adding lettuce, tomato, pickles, or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce. (2 minutes)