Beef Burger with Avocado Bacon

Last summer my brother challenged me to a backyard burger competition, and I spent three days testing patty ratios until I landed on this combination. The secret turned out to be letting the beef come to room temperature before forming the patties, something I learned after my first batch shrank away into sad little hockey pucks. Now this recipe has become our go-to Friday night dinner, the kind of meal where everyone gathers around the kitchen island and builds their own burger exactly how they like it.

I first made these for my dads birthday dinner, and he took one bite and went completely silent for about thirty seconds before declaring it the best burger hed ever eaten. My sister in law immediately asked for the recipe, and now she makes them every Sunday for football season. Theres something about the combination of smoky bacon and buttery avocado that just hits differently when youve been working all day and need something seriously satisfying.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20 blend): The higher fat content keeps these burgers juicy and prevents them from drying out on the grill
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the beef flavor really shine through
• Garlic and onion powder: These add a subtle savory depth without being overpowering
• Smoked bacon: The smokiness pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado
• Ripe avocados: Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure but arent mushy
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp contrast to the rich beef
• Burger buns: Brioche or potato buns work wonderfully here because they hold up to all the toppings

Instructions

Preheat your cooking surface:

Get your grill or skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat while you prep everything else

Season and shape the patties:

Mix the ground beef with all your seasonings, then gently form four equal patties without overworking the meat

Cook the bacon until crisp:

Fry those slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are perfectly crispy, then drain them on paper towels

Grill the beef patties:

Cook each patty for 3 to 4 minutes per side, adding that cheddar slice during the last minute to get it melty and glorious

Toast those buns:

Give the cut sides a quick toast until golden, which keeps them from getting soggy later

Build your masterpiece:

Layer on the mayo, lettuce, tomato, cheesy patty, bacon, avocado, and onion however makes your heart happy

Save

These burgers have become legendary among our friends, the kind of meal where people actually clear their schedules just to come over and eat. Theres a moment right before everyone takes that first bite where the whole table goes quiet, and then suddenly everyones making these happy noises and reaching for napkins.

Making Perfect Patties

I used to make the mistake of packing the beef too tightly, which gave me dense, tough burgers until a chef friend showed me the light. Now I gently shape them and make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up into balls while cooking. This little trick has completely transformed my burger game.

The Bacon Factor

Cooking bacon separately might seem like extra work, but it gives you that perfect crispiness you just cannot get when you try to cook it on top of the burger. I actually cook my bacon in the oven sometimes on a parchment lined sheet at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, which frees up the stove and gives me the most evenly crisp results every single time.

Avocado Timing

The trick with avocado is slicing it right before you serve so it does not have time to oxidize and turn brown. I keep mine whole and pit them right at the last minute, then use a spoon to scoop out perfect slices that maintain their shape beautifully on the burger. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice over the slices also helps keep them vibrant and green.

• Have all your toppings prepped before you start cooking the patties
• Warm your plates in the oven for a restaurant style touch
• Toast the buns just before assembling so they stay warm and crisp

Save

Hope these burgers bring as much joy to your table as they have to ours. There is nothing quite like watching people take that first bite and immediately forget about whatever was stressing them out all day.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the burger from drying out?

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for juiciness and avoid pressing patties while cooking to retain moisture.

→ Can avocado slices be prepared ahead?

To keep avocado fresh, slice just before assembling or toss slices in lemon juice to reduce browning.

→ What is the best way to cook bacon for the burger?

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

→ How long should beef patties be cooked for medium doneness?

Grill or pan-sear patties for about 3–4 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

→ Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?

Yes, Swiss or blue cheese can be used for different flavors, melting nicely over the patties.