Iowa BBQ Bacon Burgers on the Arteflame Grill

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling buns and cooking burgers)
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions (optional)
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 slices tomato

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the beef patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Gently form the beef into four equal-sized patties.
3. Wrap each patty with two slices of bacon, securing the ends by tucking them underneath.

Step 3: Sear the patties on the grill

1. Place the bacon-wrapped patties on the center grill grate at 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes to create a crispy crust and lock in juices.
3. Move the patties to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking.

Step 4: Glaze and melt the cheese

1. Brush each burger with BBQ sauce.
2. Cook the patties until they reach 15°F below the desired doneness.
3. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top and continue cooking until it melts.

Step 5: Toast the buns

1. Spread butter on each bun.
2. Toast them on the flat cooktop griddle until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

1. Place lettuce on the bottom bun.
2. Top with the BBQ bacon burger patty.
3. Add caramelized onions and tomato slices.
4. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
5. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use freshly ground beef for better texture and taste.
• Let burgers rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
• Always remove meat from the grill 15°F below the target temperature.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Hawaiian Delight: Top with grilled pineapple and teriyaki glaze.
• Blue Cheese Bacon: Replace cheddar with blue cheese crumbles for a bold twist.
• Mushroom Swiss: Sauté mushrooms on the griddle and pair with Swiss cheese.
• BBQ Ranch: Mix ranch dressing with BBQ sauce and add crispy fried onions.

Conclusion

These Iowa BBQ Bacon Burgers are packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will make them a fast favorite. With the Arteflame grill’s ability to deliver a steakhouse-quality sear, every bite is juicy and delicious. Fire up your grill and enjoy!

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter
• Sweet potato fries
• Classic coleslaw
• Grilled asparagus
• Cold craft beer