Venison Burgers with Bacon, White Cheddar, & Caramelized Sweet Onion
This venison burger, with crispy bacon, melted white cheddar, & caramelized sweet onion, has bacon added in the ground meat mixture... so smoky & juicy!
1lbvenison chuck/shoulder(substitute ground venison or beef)
2ozbacon
½tspsalt(or to taste)
½tspcajun seasoning(or to taste)
½tspfreshly ground black pepper(or to taste)
Bacon & Onions
6slicesbacon, halved
2mediumsweet onions(substitute white, yellow, or red onion)
Garnishes & Toppings
4sliceswhite cheddar(substitute swiss, pepper jack, or colby)
4leavesromaine or iceberg lettuceoptional
4tbspDijon mustard
4tbspmayonnaise optional
2tbspketchupoptional
4-8eachdill pickle slicesoptional
Instructions
Grind & Shape Venison Bacon Burger Patties
Grind the cubed venison (or beef) chuck with raw bacon through a medium or coarse grinder plate, alternating cubes of meat and pieces of bacon so that they are evenly mixed.
Mix the ground meat mixture gently, and divide into ¼-⅓ lb patties.
Season the outside of the patties with salt, pepper, and Cajun or steak seasoning.
Bacon & Onions
Cut bacon slices in half. Cook the bacon over medium heat, turning often so it doesn’t curl, or you can bake the slices on a sheet pan.
Remove the bacon to a plate and keep warm. Drain all but a few tablespoons of the bacon fat, reserving the rest to cook the burgers. Peel and slice the onions and add them to the bacon pan.
Saute onions in the bacon pan over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are softened and turning golden brown.
Cook Burgers
Get your cast iron or heavy gauge pan very hot, so that you can get a good sear on the burgers without drying out or overcooking the inside.
Sear the burger well on the first side, pressing the patty into the pan to get a good crust. Flip the patties and sear and press the second side. This should only take a few minutes.
Top the patties with cheese & bacon slices and remove from the heat once the cheese is melted.
Toast or gently warm the buns in the pan while the cheese is melting.
Assemble the Burgers
Spread caramelized onions (& mustard) on the bottom bun.
Top with burger patty, melted cheese, & bacon.
Add other condiments & lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Serve immediately.
Keyword cheesy, comfort food, game-day food, meat, party food, savory, southern, summer, wild game