Today’s quest is a fiery triumph: Western Bacon Cheeseburger! There are countless ways to craft a hamburger, but this spicy, crunchy version is one of my absolute favorites, and you’ll love it just as much as I do. Picture this: a seasoned beef patty topped with sautéed onions and jalapeños, stacked with melty smoked gouda, crispy smoked bacon, fresh tomato, and lettuce, crowned with golden onion rings, and slathered in a tangy BBQ ranch sauce—all served on a toasted sesame seed bun. I’ll admit, I cheat a bit by using premade patties and onion rings. The result is a messy, mouthwatering masterpiece that’s oh-so-yummy. It’s a bold, flavor-packed burger that’ll make your taste buds sing—ready to wield your skillet and claim this treasure?

• • 1 sweet onion, sliced (the humble village root)
  • 3 jalapeños, sliced (the fiery stingers)
  • ½ tsp salt (the seasoning rune)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (a shadow kiss)
  • 6 premade hamburger patties (the hearty champions)
  • ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce (the savory elixir)
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder (the bold essence)
  • 12 onion rings, premade (the golden hoops)
  • 12 slices smoked bacon (the smoky sentinels)
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce (the smoky tide)
  • ¼ cup ranch dressing (the creamy veil)
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced (ruby spoils)
  • 6 lettuce leaves (crisp allies)
  • 6 slices smoked gouda (molten treasure)
  • 6 sesame seed hamburger buns (the sturdy thrones)

• • Sauté the Allies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat—add a drizzle of oil if needed, then toss in the sliced sweet onion and 3 sliced jalapeños. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper—sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside in a bowl.
  • Prepare the Champions: Brush the 6 premade hamburger patties with ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle both sides with 1 tbsp. garlic powder—let them sit for 5 minutes to soak up the flavor.
  • Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the 12 slices of smoked bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side—remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Grill the Patties: In the same skillet (or on a grill), cook the hamburger patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness (160°F for medium). During the last minute, place a slice of smoked gouda on each patty to melt into a gooey crown.
  • Crisp the Hoops: While the patties cook, prepare the 12 premade onion rings according to package directions (oven or air fryer works great)—cook until golden and crispy, then set aside.
  • Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup ranch dressing—your tangy potion is ready!
  • Toast the Thrones: Lightly toast the 6 sesame seed hamburger buns in the skillet or oven for 1-2 minutes until golden—adds a perfect crunch!
  • Assemble the Feast: On the bottom half of each bun, layer a lettuce leaf, a couple of tomato slices, a cheesy beef patty, a spoonful of sautéed onions and jalapeños, 2 slices of bacon, and 2 onion rings. Drizzle generously with BBQ ranch sauce, then top with the bun’s crown.
  • Claim Your Feast: Serve immediately with napkins on hand—this messy, spicy, crunchy burger is a triumph worth savoring!

 

Tips, Tricks & Tasty Variations

Cooking Tricks:

• Onion Ring Hack: Air-fry the onion rings for an even crispier finish—less oil, same crunch!
• Patty Prep: Press a small indent in the center of each patty before cooking—prevents puffing and ensures even cooking.
• Sauce Boost: Make the BBQ ranch sauce ahead and let it sit—flavors meld for a bolder kick.
• Cheese Melt: Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking the patties—melts the gouda perfectly!

 

Tasty Variations:

• Spicy Skirmish: Add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ ranch or swap jalapeños for hotter peppers—ignite a fiercer flame!
• Veggie Vault: Mix sautéed mushrooms with the onions—extra loot for your burger realm.
• Cheese Quest: Swap gouda for pepper jack or cheddar—new molten banners to wave proudly!
• Sauce Twist: Use a spicy chipotle mayo instead of BBQ ranch—shifts the potion to a smokier realm.
• Bacon Pact: Try candied bacon for a sweet-salty twist—coats the sentinels in sugary armor!