Bacon Beer Cheese Burger (Print Version)

A juicy skillet burger piled with crispy bacon and a warm, pourable beer cheese sauce, done in about 35 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ For the patties

01 - 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ For the beer cheese sauce

06 - 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
07 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) lager or amber beer
09 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
10 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
11 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ To assemble

13 - 6 slices bacon
14 - 4 burger buns, split
15 - 1 tbsp butter, for toasting the buns
16 - Sliced lettuce, tomato, and red onion (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Lay the bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally. Cook until deeply crisp, about 8-10 minutes, then drain on paper towels and chop once cool.
02 - In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it smells toasty and no longer raw.
03 - Slowly pour in the beer, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then whisk in the milk. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce coats the whisk.
04 - Remove the pan from direct heat. Stir in the cheddar a handful at a time, letting each addition melt before adding more. Season with smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Keep warm on the lowest heat.
05 - Mix the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into 4 loose patties and sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until a thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) at the center.
06 - Toast the split buns cut-side down in the same skillet with a little butter. Stack each patty on a bun with chopped bacon, a generous pour of warm beer cheese sauce, and any optional toppings.

# Notes:

01 - Cook ground beef patties to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), checked with a food thermometer.
02 - Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and pourable.

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