Grilled Prime Burger with Bacon-Maple Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy prime beef burger grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet and smoky bacon-maple sauce for decadent flavor. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 35 minutes blends pound ground prime beef (80/20), teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 630 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 630 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a bowl, gently mix 1 pound ground prime beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper; form into 4 equal patties.
  2. Step 2: Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 strips of bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons maple syrup and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until syrup thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Toss the cooked bacon in the maple sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Butter the burger buns with 2 tablespoons butter and toast them on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  7. Step 7: Assemble burgers by layering lettuce leaves, tomato slices (2 per burger), the cheesy beef patty, and topped with 1-2 slices of bacon coated in the maple sauce. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Prime Burger with Bacon-Maple Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Prime Burger with Bacon-Maple Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Prime Burger with Bacon-Maple Sauce?

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 Prime Burger with Bacon-Maple Sauce 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 Prime Burger with Bacon-Maple Sauce?

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.

Related recipes