Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

There’s something universally satisfying about biting into a juicy, smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. In our house, it’s a summer staple and a year-round craving. The combination of crisp bacon, melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce brings backyard cookout energy straight to your kitchen. This recipe goes back to my dad’s weekend grilling tradition he’d make burgers so good, neighbors “just happened” to swing by. Today, I’m sharing my take on that beloved burger: a perfectly stacked BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger packed with bold flavor, melty indulgence, and just the right amount of mess.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger isn’t just a sandwich it’s a flavor experience. Here’s why it deserves a top spot in your dinner rotation:

• Smoky-sweet BBQ sauce adds rich depth.
• Crispy bacon gives every bite a salty crunch.
• Melted cheese pulls the whole stack together.
• Customizable toppings make it easy to please everyone.
• Quick to cook and perfect for family nights, game days, or solo indulgence.

Craving more burger inspiration? Don’t miss this juicy twist from Rita Flavors: the juicy cheeseburger recipe that’s as iconic as it is mouthwatering.

Pure Comfort

Let’s face it there’s comfort, and then there’s BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger comfort. Whether grilled outside or cooked in a skillet, this burger brings a smoky, cheesy, meaty satisfaction that beats any drive-thru option. Pair it with fries, slaw, or even a cozy side like Chick-fil-A mac and cheese and you’ve got a plate full of love.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American, if preferred)
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 8 slices cooked bacon
• Optional toppings: red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles
• Optional butter or mayo for toasting buns

What You Need

• Grill or stovetop skillet
• Burger press (optional but helpful)
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil (for resting burgers)
• Cutting board and knife

Keep tools simple this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal fuss, like those other go-tos in the easy baked dinner category.

Time to Cook BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

A hot meal on the table in under 30? That’s what we call a weeknight win especially when the taste is better than takeout.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Form the patties: Divide beef into 4 equal portions. Shape into patties slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink). Press a small thumbprint in the center of each to prevent puffing.
3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Cook the bacon until crisp and set aside.
5. Grill or sear the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once. Add cheese during the last minute and cover loosely with foil or a lid to melt.
6. Toast the buns cut side down in the skillet or on the grill for 1–2 minutes until golden.
7. Assemble: Spread BBQ sauce on each bun, add the patty, 2 bacon strips, and any toppings you love.
8. Serve immediately, napkins highly recommended!

Make It Perfect

• Don’t overwork the meat handle it gently to keep burgers juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer: 160°F for well-done, 145°F for medium.
• Choose brioche buns for an upscale twist or potato rolls for old-school comfort.
• Let the burger rest for a few minutes before serving to keep juices in.

Looking for more indulgent, bacon-forward ideas? You’ll love these garlic butter bacon Alfredo pizza twists.

Mix It Up

Get creative with your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger:

• Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for cheese with a kick.
• Add onion rings for crunch and flair.
• Use turkey, bison, or plant-based patties for a twist.
• Swap BBQ for chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or ranch drizzle.

Or push flavor boundaries even further with Rita’s Big Mac Smash Tacos a brilliant burger-taco fusion.

Perfect Partners

Your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger deserves epic sides:

• Classic French fries or sweet potato wedges
• Mac and cheese or coleslaw
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Crispy onion rings
• Pickle spears or fried pickles
• And for hearty pairing? Try this stove top stuffing meatloaf on the side.

Busy Day Hero

Short on time? This burger is your savior. You can:

• Use pre-cooked bacon
• Grab store-made BBQ sauce
• Use pre-formed patties for faster prep
• Go stovetop to skip outdoor grilling

Pair with make-ahead sides like easy baked taco lasagne or mac & cheese and you’ve got a full dinner ready in 30 minutes.

Work Ahead

• Shape patties and store in the fridge (up to 24 hours)
• Cook and store bacon
• Slice toppings ahead of time
• Toast buns in advance and reheat briefly

With everything prepped, you’ll just need 10–15 minutes to serve a hot meal.

Save Some For Later

Leftover patties? Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven, then reassemble.

Pro tip: Slice leftover patties and turn them into a killer BBQ cheeseburger wrap for tomorrow’s lunch!

Everyone’s Happy

From picky eaters to gourmet lovers, everyone finds joy in a good BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. It’s that magical combo of crispy, melty, savory, and sweet.

You can build-your-own bar style for parties or serve it stacked tall with all the fixings it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Good For You Too

While indulgent, it’s totally adjustable:

• Use lean beef or turkey
• Opt for low-sugar BBQ sauce
• Skip the bun or go lettuce wrap
• Add a big serving of grilled veggies on the side

Balance out the richness with lighter pairings or smaller patties. Flavor doesn’t have to mean guilt!

Easy Clean Up

One pan for bacon. One for burgers. Maybe a plate or two. That’s it.

No fussy dishes, no piles of prep. Cleanup is so easy, it almost makes you want to make it again tomorrow.

Switch It Up

You can transform this burger base into:

• A BBQ bacon burger bowl
• A cheeseburger grilled cheese
• A breakfast burger topped with egg
• Mini slider versions for parties

Or keep your beef theme going with this ultra-satisfying crispy fried chicken recipe when you want to change the protein, not the comfort.

Simply Perfect

Some meals are more than food they’re memories in the making. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is one of those recipes. It’s reliable, ridiculously flavorful, and simply perfect every single time.

FAQs for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

Can I grill this burger instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! A grill adds incredible smoky flavor.

What BBQ sauce should I use?
Any you love smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy. Homemade or store-bought both work.

How do I keep the burgers juicy?
Use 80/20 beef and don’t press down while cooking.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Raw patties can be frozen and cooked later. Cooked burgers don’t freeze as well.

Conclusion for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is everything you want in a burger bold, cheesy, crisp, juicy, and kissed with BBQ goodness. Whether it’s summer on the grill or winter comfort in a skillet, it satisfies deeply and quickly. Make it your own, serve it with flair, and enjoy every bite with those you love.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger features juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and smoky barbecue sauce for the ultimate backyard flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
8 slices cooked bacon
Red onion, sliced (optional)
Lettuce leaves (optional)
Tomato slices (optional)
Pickles (optional)
Butter or mayo for toasting buns (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Form the ground beef into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the buns. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty.
Season patties with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides.
Cook bacon until crispy and set aside.
Grill or pan-sear patties for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once.
Add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover to melt.
Toast buns cut-side down until golden, using butter or mayo if desired.
Spread BBQ sauce on both sides of each bun.
Layer lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles as desired.
Place the patty on the bun, top with 2 bacon slices, and close the sandwich.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use brioche or potato buns for extra flavor and structure.
Substitute turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter option.
For extra tang, add a few drops of hot sauce or a dash of mustard to your BBQ sauce mix.
Patties can be made ahead and chilled until ready to cook.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilled or Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, beef burger recipe, bacon cheeseburger, barbecue cheeseburger