hamburgers with homemade onion-bacon jam

Juicy Hamburgers with Homemade Onion Bacon Jam

Ingredients:

For the Hamburgers:

    •    1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)

    •    1 tsp salt

    •    ½ tsp black pepper

    •    ½ tsp garlic powder

    •    ½ tsp onion powder

    •    1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

    •    1 tbsp butter (divided into small cubes, optional for extra juiciness)

    •    4 burger buns

    •    Sliced cheese (optional)

    •    Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for serving

For the Onion Bacon Jam:

    •    6 slices bacon, diced

    •    2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

    •    2 tbsp brown sugar

    •    1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

    •    1 tsp Dijon mustard

    •    ½ tsp smoked paprika

    •    Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Onion Bacon Jam:

    •    In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 2 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan.

    •    Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (this takes about 20-25 minutes).

    •    Once the onions are golden and soft, stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper.

    •    Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the jam is thick and sticky. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Hamburger Patties:

    •    In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Be careful not to overmix to keep the burgers tender.

    •    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

    •    If using, press a small cube of butter into the center of each patty and reshape around it for extra juiciness.

3. Cook the Hamburgers:

    •    Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.

    •    Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or longer if desired. Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking, if using.

    •    Toast the burger buns on the grill or in the skillet until golden.

4. Assemble the Burgers:

    •    Spread a generous layer of the onion bacon jam on the bottom half of each bun.

    •    Place the cooked burger patty on top, followed by lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

    •    Add the top bun, and serve immediately.