Bacon Cheeseburgers

Ingredients

• 1½ lb ground beef
• 8 slice bacon
• 4 slice cheddar cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 lettuce leaves (optional)
• 1 tomato (optional)
• ½ red onion (optional)
• ¼ cup ketchup (optional)
• ¼ cup mustard (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Form ground beef into four equal patties and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels, reserving some bacon fat.
3. Cook patties in the same skillet (or on a grill) for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
5. Toast hamburger buns lightly.
6. Assemble burgers: bottom bun, patty with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, and mustard. Top with the other half of the bun.