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loaded burgers

By Grandma Millie

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A delicious loaded burger with beef patty, bacon, cheese, and fresh toppings on a wooden table.

loaded burgers turn the backyard into a flavor carnival, with juicy beef patties sizzling beneath smoky turkey strips and melty cheddar inside soft brioche buns. Every bite pops with tangy pickles, creamy avocado, and a lively drizzle of apple cider vinegar aioli. Gather friends around the grill and stack each burger with fresh tomato, crisp lettuce, and a sprinkle of chipotle paprika for a playful kick. Easy to customize and impossible to resist, loaded burgers transform any meal into a celebratory feast that guests remember long after the last bite.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 40 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 600

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loaded burgers

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
resting
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (for juicy patties)
  • 4 pieces burger buns (your favorite style)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (melty goodness)
  • 4 strips bacon (crispy and flavorful)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (for crunch)
  • 1 piece tomato (sliced for freshness)
  • 1/2 piece red onion (sliced for added zing)
  • 8 slices dill pickles (for that classic tang)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup (the classic condiment)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (creamy texture)
  • 1 tbsp mustard (a touch of spice)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Grill or skillet — For cooking the patties and bacon.
  • 1 Pan — For cooking the bacon.

Method

  1. 1

    Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form it into four equal patties.

  3. 3

    Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy. Drain it on paper towels.

  4. 4

    Grill the burger patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.

  5. 5

    Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.

  6. 6

    Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.

  7. 7

    Spread ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard on the bottom bun. Layer shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles, the cheese-topped patty, and bacon on each bun.

  8. 8

    Top with the remaining bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious loaded burgers!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories600
Fat35g
Protein30g
Carbs40g

Why You’ll Love This loaded burgers

  • Each bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
  • Customizable toppings let you create your perfect burger masterpiece.
  • Made with high-quality ingredients for a guilt-free indulgence.
  • Perfect for gatherings, bringing everyone together over deliciousness.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Ingredients

Discover the essential ingredients for creating the ultimate loaded burgers!

A variety of fresh ingredients for loaded burgers displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 1 lb ground beef – for juicy patties
  • 4 burger buns – your favorite style
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese – melty goodness
  • 4 strips bacon – crispy and flavorful
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce – for crunch
  • 1 tomato – sliced for freshness
  • 1/2 red onion – sliced for added zing
  • 8 dill pickle slices – for that classic tang
  • 2 tbsp ketchup – the classic condiment
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise – creamy texture
  • 1 tbsp mustard – a touch of spice
  • Salt and pepper – to taste

How to Make loaded burgers

Get ready to create some mouthwatering loaded burgers! The preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is around 20 minutes, and you might want to let everything rest for a few minutes before serving. Let’s dive in!

A step-by-step visual guide to making loaded burgers, featuring grilling, cooking bacon, and assembling the burger with fresh toppings.

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Patties

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form it into four equal patties.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy. Drain it on paper towels.

Step 4: Grill the Patties

Grill the burger patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.

Step 7: Assemble the Burgers

Spread ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard on the bottom bun. Layer shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, pickles, the cheese-topped patty, and bacon on each bun.

Step 8: Serve

Top with the remaining bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious loaded burgers!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Extra Time5 minutes (resting)
Total Time40 minutes
DietaryMeat-based
Serves4
Best ServedHot and loaded with toppings!

Pro Tips for Making loaded burgers

  • Choose high-quality ground beef for juicier burgers.
  • Season the meat just before grilling for maximum flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
  • Toast the buns lightly for added texture and flavor.
  • Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

How to Serve this loaded burgers

  • Top with crispy onion rings for extra crunch.
  • Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a tasty twist.
  • Pair with a refreshing coleslaw to balance the flavors.
  • Add a dollop of guacamole for a creamy kick.
  • Offer a variety of dipping sauces like BBQ or ranch.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your loaded burgers later is easy!

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow burgers to cool to room temperature.
  • Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Place wrapped burgers in an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Cool burgers completely before freezing.
  • Wrap each burger in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap.
  • Place wrapped burgers in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

  • Thaw burgers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  • For a quicker option, use a microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  • Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Get ready to savor the joy of loaded burgers! This delightful recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will take you back to those carefree summer barbecues. So gather your loved ones, whip up these mouthwatering burgers, and enjoy every delicious bite. It’s simple, rewarding, and oh-so-fun!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What goes on a loaded burger?
A loaded burger typically features a variety of toppings that elevate the flavor and texture. Common additions include cheese, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, and a variety of sauces like barbecue or ranch. You can also add fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles to enhance the freshness. The idea is to create a burger that is bursting with flavor and satisfying to eat!
What is the 5 6 7 rule for burgers?
The 5 6 7 rule is a guideline for cooking burgers to achieve the perfect doneness. It suggests that for a medium-rare burger, you should cook it for 5 minutes on one side, then flip it and cook for 6 minutes on the other side. For medium, you would cook for 6 minutes on one side and 7 on the other. This method helps ensure that your burgers are juicy and cooked to your preferred level of doneness!
What are some good toppings for burgers?
There are countless delicious toppings you can add to your burgers! Some popular options include various types of cheese (like cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese), crispy fried onions, avocado slices, guacamole, and even fried eggs. You can also experiment with different sauces such as aioli, mustard, or spicy ketchup. The key is to mix and match to find your perfect combination!
What is a cowboy hamburger?
A cowboy hamburger is a hearty burger that typically features bold flavors and toppings inspired by the American West. It often includes ingredients like barbecue sauce, crispy onion rings, and pepper jack cheese, giving it a smoky and spicy kick. Some variations may also include jalapeños or bacon for added flavor. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy a burger with a bit of a twist!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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