The Ultimate Steakhouse Bacon Burger: Homemade Perfection with Crispy Onion Straws and Smoky BBQ Sauce
This summer has been a delightful journey through various burger creations and irresistible no-bake desserts. We’ve explored unique flavors, from zesty Pesto Chicken Burgers and vibrant Chicken Taco Burgers to savory Char Siu Pork Burgers and spicy Jalapeno Turkey Burgers. While these lighter alternatives offer fantastic variety, there’s an undeniable call for a classic, hearty beef burger that truly stands out. Today, we’re answering that call with an absolutely over-the-top beef burger recipe that brings the steakhouse experience right to your backyard grill. Prepare yourself for a burger that’s so good, you might never want to order one out again!
It’s no secret in our household that burgers hold a special place in the hearts of my husband and son. Any time we consider going out for a meal, a burger joint is almost always their top request. And honestly, who can blame them? A perfectly cooked burger is a culinary masterpiece. When I scan restaurant menus, my eyes inevitably dart to any burger adorned with onion straws. There’s something about those thinly sliced, crispy fried onions that adds an irresistible texture and a hint of sweet savory crunch. However, more often than not, these tempting burgers come loaded with other ingredients I don’t necessarily crave, leading me to pass on my onion straw dream. This recurring dilemma sparked a mission: to create my own dream burger, topped with those glorious, golden onion straws, exactly the way I envision it.
My personal weakness for onion straws runs deep. If a restaurant offers onion rings or straws on their menu, consider it ordered – no questions asked! The crunch, the sweet onion flavor, the way they complement anything savory… it’s pure bliss. Since my restaurant experiences rarely deliver the perfect onion straw-topped burger tailored to my preferences, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. Why settle for less when you can create perfection at home? The result is what my husband declared “by FAR the best burgers we have ever made,” and I wholeheartedly agree. This recipe empowers you to skip the crowded restaurants, save some money, and enjoy a truly gourmet burger created exactly to your liking, in the comfort of your own home.
Crafting the Ultimate Steakhouse Burger: A Deep Dive into Flavor
Making a truly exceptional burger is about more than just grilling meat; it’s about selecting the right components and bringing them together harmoniously. Here’s how we achieve that unparalleled steakhouse quality at home:
The Foundation: Quality Ground Beef
Usually, I opt for leaner ground beef for calorie-saving. But for this steakhouse-inspired creation, compromise simply wasn’t an option. We’re going all in with 85% lean ground beef, specifically ground chuck. The slightly higher fat content is crucial here; it renders during cooking, keeping the patties incredibly juicy and infusing them with rich, beefy flavor. It’s this fat that also helps achieve that perfect sear on the grill, locking in moisture and preventing a dry burger. Don’t be tempted to go too lean for this recipe; the richness is part of its charm.
Flavor Boosters: Beyond Salt and Pepper
Beyond just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, incorporating grated onion and a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the patty mix is a game-changer. The finely grated onion virtually melts into the meat as it cooks, adding a subtle sweetness and moisture without any raw onion bite. Worcestershire sauce, with its complex umami depth, acts as a secret weapon, enhancing the beef’s natural flavors and making each bite more savory and complex. These additions ensure every patty is bursting with flavor from the inside out.
The Bacon Factor: Crispy, Smoky Perfection
My 9-year-old son’s current favorite burger topping is bacon, and for good reason! Crispy, smoky bacon adds another layer of texture and an explosion of savory flavor that perfectly complements the rich beef patty. It’s a non-negotiable for this steakhouse-style burger, providing a salty crunch that elevates the entire experience. Make sure your bacon is perfectly crisp – not chewy – to achieve the best contrast with the juicy burger.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce: The Sweet & Tangy Drizzle
For the crowning glory, we’re drizzling these bacon-laden patties with our favorite homemade barbecue sauce. While a high-quality store-bought sauce can certainly do the trick, there’s something incredibly satisfying about using a homemade version. It allows you to control the sweetness, smokiness, and spice level, ensuring it perfectly matches your taste. If you haven’t tried making your own, I highly recommend checking out my barbecue ribs recipe, which includes a fantastic sauce that would be perfect here!
The Star of the Show: Homemade Onion Straws
And now, for the pièce de résistance – the homemade onion straws. This is where the magic truly happens and what elevates this from a great burger to an unforgettable one. Yes, they require a little extra time and effort, but trust me when I say, they are worth every single second. The process of thinly slicing onions, coating them in a seasoned flour mixture, and frying them to a golden, delicate crisp creates a topping far superior to anything you’ll find pre-made or in most restaurants. The texture is light and airy, offering an incredible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy burger. The sweet, subtle onion flavor against the savory beef, bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce is what makes this burger truly special. I largely followed Pioneer Woman’s fantastic recipe for these, and the results are consistently spectacular. You’ll want to make a big batch!
Grilling Perfect Patties Every Time
To achieve that perfect steakhouse quality, precise grilling technique matters. Follow these tips for juicy, flavorful burgers:
- Forming Patties: Handle the ground chuck as little as possible to prevent tough burgers. Gently form four equally sized patties, slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Create a slight indentation (dimple) in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up into an undesirable dome shape.
- Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures a good sear, creating a delicious, caramelized crust on the outside while locking in precious juices within.
- Cooking Time: For a juicy burger, cook for approximately 6 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness is reached. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C); medium, 140-145°F (60-63°C); medium-well, 150-155°F (66-68°C). Using a meat thermometer is key for accuracy and food safety.
- Toasting Buns: In the last two minutes of cooking, place your hamburger buns cut-side down directly on the grill grates. This adds a subtle char and warmth, preventing them from getting soggy from the burger’s juices and adding another layer of texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step for the full steakhouse experience!
Assembly and Serving: Building Your Masterpiece
The final step is to assemble your masterpiece. Once the patties are cooked to perfection and the buns are lightly toasted, it’s time to layer. Place a hot, juicy beef patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Crown it generously with a slice (or two!) of crispy, smoky bacon. Drizzle with your preferred amount of rich, smoky barbecue sauce, allowing it to coat the bacon and seep slightly into the patty. Finally, pile high a generous handful of those glorious, crunchy homemade onion straws. The more, the better! Top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately. These burgers are substantial and incredibly flavorful, making them the star of any meal. Pair them with classic sides like extra onion straws (because you can never have too many!), a fresh green salad, or some crispy French fries for a complete, indulgent experience.
Bacon Burger with Barbeque Sauce and Onion Straws
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbls Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 white onion, , grated
- 1 batch onion straws, (recipe here)
- 1 cup barbeque sauce, (store bought or recipe here)
- 4 strips of bacon, , cooked
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
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In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground chuck, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and grated onion. Form the mixture into 4 equally sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the hot grill, and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness is reached (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
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During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place the hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill if you would like them toasted. This adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
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To serve, place a cooked patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top generously with a slice of crispy bacon, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, and a pile of homemade onion straws. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress your taste buds and your family. These Steakhouse Bacon Burgers with Barbeque Sauce and Homemade Onion Straws are waiting to become your new favorite summer tradition. Don’t just make a burger; create a memory. Make sure you get in the kitchen and make these soon – you won’t regret it!