Western BBQ Burger

Step 1

Lay the bacon strips flat across a cutting board, not overlapping, so they can cook evenly. You will cook them all at once.

Step 2

Hold the tomato stem-side down and slice it straight down through the middle into thin rounds about 1/4-inch thick, like cutting a wheel into flat discs.

Step 3

Divide the ground beef into two equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball, then flatten it on the cutting board with the palm of your hand into a patty about 1/2-inch thick and slightly wider than your bun.

Step 4

Use your thumb to press a shallow indent about the size of a coin into the center of each patty — this keeps the burger from puffing up as it cooks.

Step 5

Place the bacon strips in a 12-inch skillet in a single layer, not overlapping, and set the heat to medium. You will cook them until crispy.

Step 6

Cook the bacon, turning each strip over once when the first side looks dark brown and crispy (about 3 to 4 minutes per side), for 6 to 8 minutes total until all strips are dark brown and bend slightly when you lift them.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked bacon to a clean plate lined with a paper towel so it can cool and stay crispy.

Step 8

Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet, leaving the browned bits stuck to the bottom — they add flavor.

Step 9

Set the skillet back on the stove over medium-high heat and wait 60 seconds until the surface shimmers and moves quickly when you tilt the pan.

Step 10

Place both beef patties into the hot skillet and let them cook without touching or moving them for 2 minutes until the bottom surfaces turn golden brown and stick slightly to the pan.

Step 11

Use a thin metal spatula to slide underneath each patty and flip it over in one swift motion. Cook the other side for 2 minutes until that side is also golden brown.

Step 12

Top each patty with 1 slice of cheddar cheese, then cover the skillet with a lid or large baking sheet and turn the heat to low. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds until the cheese looks shiny and soft.

Step 13

Transfer each burger patty onto a clean plate and let it rest for 1 minute so the juices stay inside when you bite it.

Step 14

Split open each burger bun and place the bottom half on a cutting board or plate with the cut side facing up.

Step 15

Spread 1.5 tablespoons of BBQ sauce on the inside of each bottom bun using the back of a spoon or a butter knife, covering most of the surface.

Step 16

Place one lettuce leaf on top of the sauce on each bun, covering the sauce entirely so it does not soak through the bread.

Step 17

Lay 2 slices of tomato on top of the lettuce on each bun, overlapping them slightly so they cover most of the surface.

Step 18

Place one cooked beef patty with melted cheese on top of the tomato on each bun.

Step 19

Break each of the 4 bacon strips in half and lay 2 halves on top of each beef patty, crossing them so they stay in place.

Step 20

Place the top bun half on each burger, pressing it gently down so all the ingredients come together, then serve immediately.