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Grilled BBQ Bacon Burgers

BBQ Bacon Burger – Juicy ground beef is deliciously seasoned with herbs and spices, slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, and grilled to perfection. Top your BBQ burger with crispy bacon and all your favorite fixings, and pile it on a toasty-golden bun for the ultimate comfort food! You’ll never do drive-thru again after tasting these beauties!

Grilled bacon burger served in a wooden chopping board

My son is a huge hamburger fan. If I want to make his day after soccer practice, I’ll go through the drive-thru for burgers and fries. And I must admit, a juicy, bacony hamburger hit the spot after a long day of work!

But home-cooked meals are always better than fast-food, so I set about creating a BBQ bacon burger that would put local fast-food joints to shame. With my Immafied version of the BBQ bacon burger, I can customize the seasonings, the kind of ground beef and bacon, and even choose the perfect hamburger bun. Who needs a drive-thru when you can make the best barbecued burger right in your own backyard?

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

Steps on How to Grill the 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.
Steps on How to Grill Burgers

Grill the Burgers

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Rest – Remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
  5. 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.
Grilled bacon burger served in a wooden chopping board

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.

Grilled bacon burger served in a wooden chopping board

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

Do you grill the hamburger patties with the lid open or closed?

Leave the lid closed as much as possible to keep the heat uniform during cooking. That helps the burgers cook evenly.

How do you keep hamburgers from sticking to the grill?

Preheating the grill is the easiest way to keep the burgers from sticking. The patties are less likely to stick if the grill is at 400℉/205℃ before you start grilling. Plus, you get those cool grill marks on your burgers.😉 You can also brush the hamburger patties lightly with olive oil to keep them from sticking and to add flavor.

Can I make these hamburgers in the oven?

Definitely! To bake the burgers, preheat your oven to 350℉/177℃ and place the patties on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, you can fry your hamburgers in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium and cook the burgers for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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

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.

Bacon Burger Served in a Wooden Chopping Board

Grilled BBQ Bacon Burgers

Juicy ground beef is deliciously seasoned with herbs and spices, slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, and grilled to perfection. Top your BBQ burger with crispy bacon and all your favorite fixings, and pile it on a toasty-golden bun for the ultimate comfort food! You'll never do drive-thru again after tasting these beauties!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bacon, Burger
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting: 7 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 115kcal
Author: imma

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ onion, minced
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons burger seasoning
  • 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
  • ½-1 cup (118-236ml) barbecue sauce
  • 4-6 burger buns

Instructions

Prep the Burger Patties

  • 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.
  • Add eggs to 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.
  • Next, add the ground beef to the bowl with minced garlic, onions, salt, and pepper (I used about 1 teaspoon of salt) seasoned to taste. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of burger seasoning to enhance the flavor (optional but recommended).
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the patties with barbecue sauce on both sides and toast the burger buns on the grill.
  • Remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
  • 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.

Notes

  • Season generously: Don’t hold back on the seasonings. Add more than the recommended amount to make your patty flavorful, even without additional toppings.
  • Avoid excessive flipping: When grilling burgers, it’s best to limit flipping to one or two times. Flipping excessively can cause the burgers to lose juices and stick to the grates.
  • Choose the right ground beef: Opt for ground beef with a good fat content, ideally around 80% lean and 20% fat. This higher fat content will help keep the burger moist and juicy.
  • Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to the desired level of doneness. This will help you achieve a perfect burger every time.
  • Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 197mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

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4 Comments

    1. Thanks, RosemaryAnn! I’m glad you’re a burger fan too. Grilled BBQ bacon burgers are indeed delicious.

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