Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Meat and Bacon
01 -
1 lb ground beef
02 -
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
03 -
1 medium onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings and Sauces
05 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
07 -
1 teaspoon salt
08 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 -
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
12 -
¼ cup ketchup
13 -
2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
14 -
¼ cup beef broth or water
→ Bread and Butter
15 -
12 slices white or brioche bread
16 -
6 tablespoons butter, softened
→ Cheese
17 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for bread layer)
18 -
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
19 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20 -
Optional: ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Optional Toppings
21 -
Pickles
22 -
Jalapeños
23 -
Crushed red pepper
24 -
Burger sauce drizzle
25 -
Sliced tomatoes
26 -
Shredded lettuce
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled. Retain about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
02 -
Add diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until beef is thoroughly browned.
03 -
Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavors meld. Fold in the crumbled bacon.
04 -
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place shredded cheddar cheese between two slices to form sandwiches. Toast each sandwich in a skillet until golden brown, then cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes.
05 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place half of the grilled cheese cubes in the bottom, then spread the beef mixture evenly over them. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Add remaining grilled cheese cubes and top with remaining cheese blend.
06 -
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to let layers set.
# Notes:
01 -
Use brioche or thick white bread for optimal texture. Toast the bread to prevent sogginess. Incorporate cheese both inside the sandwiches and on top for maximum richness. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Add fresh toppings like pickles after baking to preserve their crunch.