Description
Hearty bacon cheeseburger grilled cheese merges classic burger flavors with melted cheese sandwich comfort. Sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and seasoned beef create a mouthwatering meal you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled or halved
- ½ lb (225 g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bread (sourdough, white, or brioche)
- 4 tbsps (60 g) butter, softened
- 2 tbsps mayonnaise
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Pickles, thinly sliced (optional)
- Ketchup (optional)
- Mustard (optional)
- Onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling thoroughly. Enhance with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Bread Layering: Butter one side of bread slices and spread mayonnaise on the opposite side. Place first slice butter-side down, layer with cheese, creating a rich foundation.
- Filling Assembly: Evenly distribute seasoned beef over cheese. Sprinkle crumbled bacon across the surface. Add optional pickles or onions for extra flavor complexity.
- Cheese and Top Layer: Add another cheese slice to cover beef. Position second bread slice, buttered side facing outward, completing the sandwich structure.
- Grilling Technique: Heat skillet to medium, carefully place sandwich in pan. Press gently with spatula to ensure even browning and cheese melting. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese becomes deliciously molten.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from heat, slice diagonally to reveal melted interior. Plate with preferred condiments like ketchup or mustard for a classic finish.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is crumbled into small, uniform pieces for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Pat meat dry before seasoning to achieve perfect caramelization.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Select high-moisture cheeses like American or cheddar for ultimate gooeyness. Layer cheese strategically to create complete coverage and prevent dry spots in the sandwich.
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose sturdy bread with tight crumb structure to prevent sogginess. Brioche or Texas toast work best for maintaining crisp exterior and holding substantial fillings.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian version. Use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly adaptation. Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon for lower-fat option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 659
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1033 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg