Thereās something universally satisfying about biting into a juicy, smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. In our house, itās 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 dadās weekend grilling tradition heād make burgers so good, neighbors “just happened” to swing by. Today, Iām 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 Youāll Love This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger isnāt just a sandwich itās a flavor experience. Hereās 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? Donāt miss this juicy twist from Rita Flavors: the juicy cheeseburger recipe thatās as iconic as it is mouthwatering.
Pure Comfort
Letās face it thereās comfort, and then thereās 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 youāve 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? Thatās what we call a weeknight win especially when the taste is better than takeout.
Steps to Make It

- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Form the patties: Divide beef into 4 equal portions. Shape into patties slightly larger than your buns (theyāll shrink). Press a small thumbprint in the center of each to prevent puffing.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the bacon until crisp and set aside.
- Grill or sear the patties for about 3ā4 minutes per side, flipping once. Add cheese during the last minute and cover loosely with foil or a lid to melt.
- Toast the buns cut side down in the skillet or on the grill for 1ā2 minutes until golden.
- Assemble: Spread BBQ sauce on each bun, add the patty, 2 bacon strips, and any toppings you love.
- Serve immediately, napkins highly recommended!
Make It Perfect
- Donāt 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? Youāll 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 Ritaās 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 youāve 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, youāll just need 10ā15 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 tomorrowās lunch!
Everyone’s Happy
From picky eaters to gourmet lovers, everyone finds joy in a good BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. Itās 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 itās always a crowd-pleaser.
Good For You Too
While indulgent, itās 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 doesnāt have to mean guilt!
Easy Clean Up
One pan for bacon. One for burgers. Maybe a plate or two. Thatās 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 theyāre memories in the making. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is one of those recipes. Itās 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 donāt 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 donāt 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 itās 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 ā¤ļø!
Print
Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger features juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and smoky barbecue sauce for the ultimate backyard flavor.
Ingredients
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)
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 3ā4 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