Bunless Bacon Cheeseburgers

Ingredients

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

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 bacon and drain excess grease, reserving a small amount in the pan.
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 cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
5. Assemble burgers by placing a cheese-topped patty on a large lettuce leaf. Top with cooked bacon, sliced tomato, and red onion.
6. Serve immediately with optional ketchup, mustard, and pickles.