Bacon-Cheddar Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

• •3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• •1½ pounds onions
• •to taste salt and pepper
• •3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• •½ pound sliced bacon
• •1½ pounds ground beef chuck
• •1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• •1 teaspoon salt
• •½ teaspoon black pepper
• •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• •4 slices extra-sharp Cheddar
• •4 pieces hamburger buns
• •1 whole tomato
• •4 leaves lettuce
• •1 piece instant-read thermometer

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then cook onions with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, covered, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, 15 to 20 minutes.

   20 min

2. 2.

   Reduce heat to medium-low, then add vinegar, scraping up the brown bits on bottom of the skillet, and cook, uncovered, stirring, until liquid evaporates, 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl and keep warm, covered.

   2 min

3. 3.

   Prepare grill for indirect-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium heat for gas; see grilling procedure ).

   10 min

4. 4.

   Meanwhile, cut frozen bacon crosswise into eight sections and distribute evenly in bowl of a food processor, then pulse until finely chopped.

   5 min

5. 5.

   In a large bowl, distribute bacon evenly over beef and drizzle mixture with Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

   3 min

6. 6.

   Combine mixture as gently and thoroughly as possible with your fingers (be careful not to overmix). Form into 4 patties, about 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick.

   5 min

7. 7.

   Brush cut sides of buns with butter.

   1 min

8. 8.

   Oil grill rack, then sear patties directly over coals (or lit burner or burners), covered only if using a gas grill, moving to area of grill with no coals (or over shut-off burner) if flare-ups occur, until browned, 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

   6 min

9. 9.

   Move burgers to area with no coals (or over shut-off burner) and grill, covered, turning once, until they reach 155°F on instant-read thermometer, about 4 minutes total. Top with cheese to taste and heat, covered, until it melts and burgers register 160°F, about 1 minute. Transfer burgers to a clean platter.

   5 min

10. 10.

    Grill buns, buttered side down, until grill marks appear, about 1 minute.

    1 min

11. 11.

    Assemble burgers with buns and accompaniments, topping cheese with caramelized onions.

    2 min