Cowboy Burger

This is my take on Whole Foods pre-made Cowboy Burgers. Their version has jalapeño and chedder cheese in the burger patty; also they do not include any spices. Therefore, I decided to kick it up a notch and put some of my favorite spices into the ground beef mixture and keep Jimmy’s favorite part, the bacon, in the mix. For people who do not like bacon, it can definitely be omitted; the seasonings still created a great spicy, smoky flavor. Also, this recipe is great because you can freeze the patty for another night which will save you time and money.

Serves 3 (5 ounce burgers)

1.5 lbs ground beef
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
3 teaspoons Old Bay
2 teaspoons paprika
7-9 pieces of bacon [depending on how many you like on your burger]
3 slices of chedder cheese (optional)
3 whole wheat burger buns

Preparation:

1. Preheat a skillet to 350*. [If you do not have a skillet, pre-heat a large non stick pan on medium-high heat]. Spray the skillet with non-stick spray and place the 9 pieces of bacon on top. After they have become golden brown, removed them and place them on top of a plate that is covered with a paper towel. The paper towel will help absorb the excess grease. Wipe down the top of the griddle or pan so that it ready to use for cooking the burger.
2. To make the burger meat: Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl and top with the 3 seasonings. With your hands [or if you do not like touching meat with a spoon], mix in the spices. Take 3 pieces of bacon and chop them up into little pieces and add them to the meat. Once again mix the meat until the bacon is well combined. Create 3 patties with the meat. I like to make mine thinner so that they cook faster.
3. Place the burgers on the skillet or in the pan on medium high heat. Sear them on both sides, for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Then reduce the heat of the skillet to 300* or medium heat for the pan. Cover the burgers with the lid of a pan or aluminum foil to cook them quicker. As soon as you notice they are at the temperature (medium, well done, etc) that you prefer, place a slice of cheese on top to melt (about another minute or so). Remove the patties from the skillet or pan. Then add the buns to the skillet to allow them to brown and absorb the juices from the meat. To serve place the bottom of the patty on a plate, followed by the cheese-burger then one or two pieces of bacon that have been cut in half. Then top with the other bun. Enjoy!