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Bacon Cheeseburger with Signature Toppings inspired by The Ground Round
Inspired by The Ground Round
Try the Original

Bacon Cheeseburger with Signature Toppings

Main Course
This hearty burger combines a juicy beef patty with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, smoky bacon, and sharp cheese, complemented by fresh vegetables. The preparation focuses on cooking techniques that maximize flavor while maintaining the beef's natural juiciness.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Inactive Time 20 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 8 slices Bacon strips (Thick-cut)
  • 4 slices Cheddar cheese (Sharp)
  • 4 whole Brioche burger buns
  • 2 tbsp Butter (Softened)
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 leaves Iceberg lettuce (Crisp and torn to bun size)
  • 1 large Tomato (Sliced into 4 rounds)
  • 1/2 medium Red onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 8 whole Dill pickle slices

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast-iron skillet or grill
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl for condiment
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Chef's Tip

For perfectly cooked bacon, start with a cold pan and heat slowly to render the fat without burning. This results in evenly crisp bacon that won't curl, making it ideal for layering on burgers.

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon: Place bacon in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook until crisp, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels.
  2. Make burger patties: Gently combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix just until incorporated.
  3. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 4-5 inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty.
  4. Refrigerate patties for 20 minutes to firm up.
  5. Prepare condiment: Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
  7. Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes on first side. Flip and top with cheese. Cook 3-4 minutes more for medium doneness, or until desired temperature is reached.
  8. While burgers cook, spread butter on cut sides of buns and toast until golden.
  9. Spread mayonnaise mixture on bottom buns. Layer with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
  10. Top with burger patties, bacon (2 slices per burger, broken to fit if needed), pickles, and bun tops.

Plating

Serve each burger on an individual plate with the top bun slightly tilted to showcase the layers. Insert a long toothpick through the center to hold everything together. Accompany with french fries or onion rings on the side if desired.

Storage & Reheating

Cooked burger patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The mayo-mustard mixture can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. For best results, assemble burgers just before serving.

About This Recipe

This bacon cheeseburger recipe recreates the beloved version served at The Ground Round. The careful preparation of each component – from properly rendered bacon to a perfectly grilled patty – results in a harmonious, flavor-packed burger. The simple seasoning allows the quality ingredients to shine, while the mayo-mustard blend adds just the right amount of creaminess and tang.

How did it turn out?

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe!