Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices of bacon
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced tomato
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or stovetop griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside on paper towels to drain.
4. Place the patties on the grill or griddle and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty to melt.
6. While the patties are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise and ketchup in a small bowl.
7. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or griddle.
8. Assemble the burgers by spreading the mayonnaise-ketchup mixture on the bottom bun, then adding the patty with melted cheese, two slices of bacon, diced onion, and diced tomato.
9. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or griddle at medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 650
Fat: 42g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 38g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef
- Cheddar or Swiss cheese can be substituted for American cheese
- BBQ sauce can be substituted for the mayonnaise-ketchup mixture
Variations:
- Add sliced avocado or guacamole for a California twist
- Use jalapeno bacon for a spicy kick
- Substitute the hamburger buns for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overwork the ground beef when forming the patties to prevent tough burgers.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F.
- Toasting the buns adds extra flavor and helps prevent them from getting soggy.
Storage instructions:
Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a platter with a side of fries or onion rings.
Garnishes:
Top with a pickle spear or a dollop of sour cream.
Pairings:
Serve with a cold beer or a milkshake.
Suggested side dishes:
Fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the burgers are sticking to the grill or griddle, make sure it is well-oiled before cooking.
- If the cheese is not melting, cover the patties with a lid or tent with foil to trap the heat.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and surfaces before handling raw meat.
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
The Baconator is a popular burger from fast-food chain Wendy's, first introduced in 2007.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, salty, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a side of fries and a cold drink.
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