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
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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.

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