Easy American Smashburgers with Bacon Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 4 slices of bacon
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 4 burger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions, shaping them into loose balls.
2. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet.
4. Increase the heat to high. Place beef balls in the skillet, spacing them apart. Using a large spatula, smash them down to form 3/4-inch thick patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them until the edges are nicely browned.
5. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheese on each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Toast the burger buns in the skillet for about 1 minute until golden brown. Assemble the burgers by placing smashed patties on the bottom half of each bun, adding two halves of bacon, shredded lettuce, and slices of tomato. Top with the other half of the bun.