Western BBQ Burger

Step 1

Place the bacon strips flat in a large skillet and set the heat to medium-high; cook, stirring once every 30 seconds, until the edges turn dark brown and crispy, about 8 minutes.

Step 2

Remove the bacon to a clean plate and set aside; leave 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3

Divide the ground beef into 2 equal portions and gently shape each into a ball; press each ball flat into a patty roughly the size of your bun and about 0.75 inches thick, with a shallow indent pressed into the center with your thumb.

Step 4

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of each patty.

Step 5

Tear the tomato in half lengthwise and slice each half into 2 thick slices; set aside.

Step 6

Place the skillet (with bacon fat) back over medium-high heat until the fat shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 30 seconds.

Step 7

Gently lay each patty in the hot skillet; do not press or move them for 3 minutes, so a golden crust forms on the bottom.

Step 8

Flip each patty using a wide spatula and cook for 2 more minutes on the other side, until the second side turns the color of warm honey.

Step 9

Lay 1 slice of cheddar cheese on top of each cooked patty and turn the heat to low; cover the skillet loosely with foil or a lid and wait 45 seconds until the cheese turns glossy and soft.

Step 10

Transfer each patty to a bun, placing the melted cheese side facing up.

Step 11

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce directly onto the melted cheese on each patty.

Step 12

Layer 2 lettuce leaves, then 2 tomato slices, then 2 pieces of bacon broken into smaller bits on top of each burger.

Step 13

Press the top bun gently onto the filling and serve immediately.