4slicesapplewood smoked bacon,cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips
1largesweet onion,thinly sliced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3cupbalsamic vinegar
1/3cupwater
1teaspoonDijon mustard
BURGERS:
2slicesapplewood smoked bacon,chopped finely
24ounces85% lean ground beef
1/2teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
PREPARE THE ONIONS:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until lightly browned, but not crisp (8 minutes or so). Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 2 to 3 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet. Add the onion, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cover the pan; cook for 2 minutes. Uncover, add a splash of water, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cover, and continue to cook, stirring often, until the onions are soft and beginning to color- about 10 minutes. Add the vinegar, water, and mustard. Return the bacon to the skillet and bring the mixture to simmer. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the liquid has thickened and most of it has been absorbed- 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Leave at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for up to 2 days (reheating, as needed).
MAKE THE BURGERS:
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to gently combine bacon, ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Form into 4 hamburger patties, and press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a deep depression. Preheat your grill. Grill burgers to desired doneness (4 to 5 minutes per side). Toast the buns too, if desired- if you're serving with buns.
ASSEMBLE THE BURGERS:
Serve the burgers topped with warm balsamic- caramelized onions. No additional condiments are needed! Serve on buns, if desired.
Notes
*Fine Cooking shares that making an indentation in the center of each burger keeps them from swelling up into mini basketballs on the grill. I love this tip!
*If preparing this recipe as gluten free, you'll obviously need GF hamburgers buns. Also, make sure you are using gluten free bacon, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.