Cooking Time

• 25-35 minutes

Servings

• 2–4 servings

Ingredients

• Burger buns — 2–4 pcs
• Ground beef (20% fat) — 300–500 g
• Salt — to taste
• Black pepper — to taste
• Cheddar cheese — 2–4 slices
• Smokey Hickory BBQ sauce — 4–6 tbsp
• Bacon — 4–8 slices (optional)
• Lettuce — 2–4 leaves
• Tomato — 1–2 pcs
• Red onion — 1/2 pc (optional)
• Butter or oil — for frying
• Pickles — 4–8 slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients
   Wash vegetables, slice tomato, onion, and pickles. Prepare buns and other toppings.
2. Shape the patties
   Divide the ground beef into equal parts and shape into patties (slightly wider than the bun, as they will shrink while cooking). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the patties
   Heat a pan or grill over high heat. Add a little oil or butter. Cook the patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness (adjust time to your preference).
4. Add Cheese & Bacon
   Place a slice of cheddar on each patty during the last minute of cooking so it melts. If using bacon, cook it until crispy.
5. Add BBQ Sauce
   Brush the patties (and bacon, if using) with Smokey Hickory BBQ sauce during the last 30–60 seconds of cooking. Let it caramelize slightly.
6. Assemble The Burger
   Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, the patty with cheese and bacon.
   Add a little more BBQ sauce if you like.
   Top with the bun.