American Bacon Cheeseburger with Secret Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 slices bacon
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 whole burger buns, toasted
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 whole tomato, sliced
• 1 whole red onion, sliced

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet relish
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Method

1. 01
   In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into 4 equal-sized patties.
2. 02
   Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
3. 03
   In the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until desired doneness.
4. 04
   Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
5. 05
   While the burgers cook, combine all ingredients for the secret sauce in a small bowl and mix well.
6. 06
   Toast the burger buns in a toaster or on the grill until golden brown.
7. 07
   Assemble burgers by spreading secret sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a lettuce layer, the beef patty, tomato slices, onion slices, and bacon. Top with the upper half of the bun.
8. 08
   Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side, if desired.