Ultimate Cheeseburger

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 ratio, divided into two 1/2‑lb patties)
• 1 tsp Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly cracked)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Soy Sauce (Adds umami; optional if avoiding soy)
• 4 slices White Cheddar Cheese (Two slices per patty, fully cover the meat)
• 4 strips Bacon (Thick‑cut, cooked until crisp)
• 2 pieces Brioche Burger Buns (Split and lightly toasted)
• 1 large Onion (Thinly sliced, caramelized)
• 1 cup Mushrooms (Sliced button or cremini mushrooms)
• 1 tbsp Butter (For sautéing onions and mushrooms)
• 2 tbsp Water (Helps melt cheese without burning)
• 2 tbsp Raising Cane Sauce (Or any favorite burger sauce)
• 1 cup Tater Tots (Optional side, baked or fried)

Instructions

1. Season the Ground Beef

   In a small bowl combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and soy sauce. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the ground beef and gently pat it in.

   Time: PT2M

2. Form Patties with Indent

   Divide the meat into two equal portions (about 1/2 lb each). Shape each into a round patty about 3/4 in thick. Press a shallow thumb‑size divot in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.

   Time: PT5M

3. Cook Bacon and Reserve Fat

   Place bacon strips in the cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook until crisp, about 5 minutes, turning once. Transfer bacon to a paper‑towel‑lined plate and set aside. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pan for the burgers.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium

4. Caramelize Onions

   Add butter to the skillet with the bacon fat, then add the sliced onion. Cook over medium‑low heat, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and sweet, about 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium‑low

5. Sauté Mushrooms

   In a separate small pan, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté until browned and moisture evaporated, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium

6. Cook Burger Patties

   Increase the skillet heat to medium‑high. Place the patties (with the indent side up) into the hot bacon‑fat‑coated skillet. Cook without moving for 4‑5 minutes until a crust forms.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

7. Flip, Season, and Melt Cheese

   Flip the patties, season the second side with a pinch of salt and pepper, then place two slices of white cheddar on each patty. Add 2 tbsp water to the pan, cover with the lid, and let steam for 2 minutes until cheese melts.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

8. Toast Buns (Optional)

   If desired, lightly toast the split brioche buns cut‑side down in the same skillet for 30 seconds until golden.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium

9. Assemble the Burger

   On the bottom bun spread a spoonful of Raising Cane sauce, add a strip of bacon, place a cheese‑topped patty, spoon caramelized onions over the cheese, add sautéed mushrooms, drizzle a little more sauce, then top with the bun. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

   Time: PT5M

10. Serve with Tater Tots

    Plate the assembled burgers and serve alongside baked or fried tater tots.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

910

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

55 g

Fiber

3 g