Grilled BBQ Bacon Burgers

The Secret to a Perfectly Juicy Hamburger

Hey, it’s all about the meat! Good-quality ground beef, ideally with an 80/20 meat/fat ratio, is the first essential ingredient. The second secret is to not overcook your burgers. A meat thermometer will tell you when the hamburgers reach an internal temperature of 160℉/72℃. Perfect!!!

Recipe Ingredients

• Egg – Helps bind the ingredients and adds a touch of moisture.
• Bread Crumbs are another good binder to complement the egg and hold onto the moisture for a juicier burger.
• Worcestershire Sauce adds umami, flavor, and moisture.
• Ground Beef – Our key player, obviously! 😉 Look for ground beef with a 20% fat content for delectable, tender burgers.
• Seasonings – Fresh garlic and onions and a savory blend of herbs and spices create a flavor combination that’s out of this world!
• Bacon adds a delightful smokey taste and crunchy texture. What could be better?
• Barbecue Sauce provides a mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy, and smokey flavors.
• Buns – I opt for brioche buns for their soft texture and rich taste. But regular hamburger buns work well, too.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Burgers

Prep the Burger Patties

1. Prepare Grill – Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (204-232°C). If using a charcoal grill instead, light coals and let it burn until covered with white ash. Create a two-zone fire by placing the charcoal on one side of the grill, leaving the other without charcoal.
2. Mix – Add eggs in a medium mixing bowl, and beat it lightly. Then add breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce to the beaten egg. Mix until a soft paste forms and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Add Beef – Next, add the ground beef to the bowl with minced garlic, onions, salt, and pepper (I used about 1 teaspoon salt) seasoned to taste. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of burger seasoning to enhance the flavor (optional but recommended😉).
4. Make Patties – Use your hands or a large spoon to mix all ingredients until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the burgers tough. Divide the mixture into equal portions, depending on how many burgers you want. I usually do 4 to 6 patties. Shape into patties. Make sure they have even thickness and fit your burger buns. Repeat with the remaining portions until you’ve shaped all the burger patties.

Grill the Burgers

4. Grill – Place the prepared burger patties on your preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, undisturbed. Continue cooking until the burgers’ internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the outside of the burger is cooking too fast, turn off one side of the gas grill and place the patties on the unlit side, away from direct heat, so they cook evenly without burning. If using a charcoal grill, create a two-zone fire by placing the charcoal on one side and leaving the other empty. That way, you can move the burgers to the cooler side if they cook too quickly.
5. Bacon – Lay your bacon slices across the grates on the cooler side of the grill. Let them cook until they’re as crispy as you want them. Remove them from the grill and set aside until ready to assemble the burgers.
6. Optional Basting – During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the patties with barbecue sauce on both sides and toast the burger buns on the grill.
7. Rest – Remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
8. Serve the BBQ bacon burgers on the toasted buns and garnish them with additional barbecue sauce if desired. You can also add your desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, or cheese.

Recipe Variations

There are tons of mouthwatering BBQ hamburger recipe variations! 

• Spice it Up – I love mixing chopped jalapenos into the ground beef mixture before making the patties.
• Hot BBQ – Throw a can of chipotle peppers in adobo in the blender and puree it. Then add it to the BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering experience.
• Seasoning Swap – No burger seasoning? A sprinkle of paprika, chili powder, thyme, and oregano works. A dash of dry mustard is also super delicious!
• Meat Swap – Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Crispy Breading – Sprinkle flour on the surface of your raw hamburger patties before grilling. This will create a light crust and insulate the patties, keeping the moisture inside!
• BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger – Oh, yeah! Grate a little cheddar cheese and add it to your burger mix. Then top your grilled burger with a slice of cheddar for a double cheddar bacon adventure.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t be shy with the seasonings! I usually use more than recommended, so my hamburgers are flavorful even without additional toppings.
• When grilling burgers, avoid flipping them so they don’t lose moisture and stick to the grates. Aim for one or two flips during cooking.
• Create a burger bar for your guests at your next cookout. Set the table with all your favorite toppings and sauces, and let your guests make themselves a mile-high bacon burger just the way they like!

Make-Ahead Instructions

These burgers are a meal prepper’s dream! You can make the patties ahead of time, wrap them in heavy foil or freezer bags, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then thaw them overnight in the fridge before grilling. Alternatively, you can form the patties up to 24 hours before cooking and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Bacon BBQ burgers are crazy delicious served sizzling right off the grill! But leftover burgers store beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat easily. To reheat, pop them in the microwave on 50% power until heated through, or arrange them on a baking sheet and bake them for 6-7 minutes at 400℉/205℃ until warm.

FAQs

What to Serve With BBQ Bacon Burgers

While the grill is hot, consider cooking some grilled onions and potato wedges to complement your BBQ bacon burgers. Then finish it off with grilled pineapple for a great dessert! Oh, and for the perfect cocktail, you’ve got to try a passion fruit margarita!

More Fantastic Main Dish Recipes to Try

• Grilled Ribeye
• Smoked Rack of Lamb
• Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
• Smoked Brisket

Conclusion

Forego take-out and treat your family to these juicy, savory hamburgers with tangy BBQ sauce and smokey bacon! What toppings do you put on your burgers? Leave me a comment below with your faves.