Grilled Bacon and Sauerkraut Cheeseburgers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled beef burgers topped with crisp bacon, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheese for a savory, smoky flavor combination. This american-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 600 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Mix 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper gently, then form into four 4-inch patties.
  2. Step 2: Brush grill grates with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side until medium doneness, flipping once.
  3. Step 3: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, top each patty with 1 slice Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup drained sauerkraut. Close grill lid to melt cheese.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook 6 strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1 tbsp butter on cut sides of 4 burger buns and toast them on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  6. Step 6: Assemble burgers by spreading 2 tbsp yellow mustard on the bottom buns, placing the cheesy sauerkraut-topped patties, then layering with 1-2 bacon strips each. Cover with top buns and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bacon and Sauerkraut Cheeseburgers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Bacon and Sauerkraut Cheeseburgers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 80% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Bacon and Sauerkraut Cheeseburgers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Bacon and Sauerkraut Cheeseburgers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Bacon and Sauerkraut Cheeseburgers?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes