Print

Ultimate Beef Bacon Jam Cheeseburger w/ Caramelized Onions

Print Recipe

Experience a gourmet masterpiece with this Beef Bacon Jam Cheeseburger topped with sweet, caramelized onions. Each bite is a delightful explosion of umami goodness that will elevate your burger night to a whole new level.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound beef bacon
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Cheese slices (sharp cheddar or American)
  • Burger buns (brioche or potato rolls)
  • 1–2 large yellow onions
  • 2–3 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee (or non-alcoholic alternative)
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Bacon Jam (Can be made ahead!): Thinly slice about 1 pound of beef bacon into ½-inch pieces. Place the bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it's crispy and most of its fat has rendered, about 10-15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon bits and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot. Drain any excess fat if there’s too much. Add one thinly sliced medium onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium-low heat until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce for a minute. Stir in ½ cup strong brewed coffee, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Add the reserved cooked beef bacon back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the mixture is thick and jam-like. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch more brown sugar if desired. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice 1-2 large yellow onions. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 30-45 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet. If they start to dry out, add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to loosen them. Once caramelized, set aside.
  3. Form and Cook the Burger Patties: Divide 1 ½ pounds of ground beef into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ¾-inch thick patty, slightly wider than your buns. Press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a tablespoon of oil if not using a non-stick pan. Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for well-done, flipping only once. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty, cover the pan with a lid or foil, and let it melt until gooey.
  4. Toast the Buns and Assemble: Lightly butter the cut sides of your burger buns. Toast them on a separate pan, under the broiler, or directly on your grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. To assemble your Beef Bacon Jam Cheeseburger: Place a cheesy patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Generously spoon a dollop of the rich beef bacon jam over the cheese. Top with a generous portion of the sweet caramelized onions. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately!

Nutrition

Keywords: For the Beef Bacon Jam, don't rush the render; let the bacon cook slowly until crispy. For the caramelized onions, low and slow is key to prevent burning. When forming patties, handle the meat as little as possible to keep them juicy.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/ultimate-beef-bacon-jam-cheeseburger-w-caramelized-onions/