Grilled Farmhouse Burger with Smoky Bacon and Aged Cheddar

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

Juicy hand-pattied beef burger grilled to perfection, topped with smoky bacon, melted aged cheddar, and served on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce and tomato. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef (80/20), smoked bacon slices, aged cheddar cheese slices for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a bowl, gently mix 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper; form into four 4-inch diameter patties.
  2. Step 2: Brush 1 tbsp olive oil on burger buns and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Place bacon slices on the grill, cooking for 5-7 minutes until crisp and browned, flipping halfway; remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Grill the beef patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, placing a slice of aged cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute to melt.
  5. Step 5: While the burgers cook, grill the bun halves cut side down for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise mixed with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard evenly on bottom buns.
  7. Step 7: Assemble burgers by layering lettuce leaves, tomato slices, cheesy beef patty, and two slices of smoky bacon on each bun; top with the bun tops and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Farmhouse Burger with Smoky Bacon and Aged Cheddar 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 Farmhouse Burger with Smoky Bacon and Aged Cheddar?

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 ground beef (80/20) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Farmhouse Burger with Smoky Bacon and Aged Cheddar?

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 Farmhouse Burger with Smoky Bacon and Aged Cheddar 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 Farmhouse Burger with Smoky Bacon and Aged Cheddar?

American sandwiches & wraps 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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