Bacon Chili Burger Recipe
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If there’s ever a burger worth firing up the grill for, it’s this Bacon Chili Burger Recipe. Juicy grilled burgers get piled high with smoky homemade bacon chili for the kind of backyard burger that feels messy, hearty, and completely worth it. It’s rich, savory, packed with flavor, and exactly the kind of burger recipe that works for summer cookouts, game day, or anytime you want something that feels a little extra. This is one of those burgers that definitely requires both hands and plenty of napkins.
Burgers Are My Love Language
Burgers are literally one of my favorite foods, so it does not take much convincing for me to turn dinner into burger night. But this Bacon Chili Burger Recipe is the kind of burger that feels a little extra in the best way.
You get the juicy burger, the smoky bacon chili, the soft bun, and the whole messy situation that makes you stop pretending this is going to be a neat dinner. It’s not fancy. It’s not delicate. But it is absolutely the kind of burger I want when I’m craving something big, savory, and so good.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Chili Burger Recipe
- This Bacon Chili Burger Recipe is rich, smoky, and packed with bold flavor
- The homemade bacon chili comes together with simple ingredients
- Perfect for cookouts, burger nights, or weekend dinners
- The chili can be made ahead
- Easy to customize with cheese and toppings
- A fun upgrade from a classic grilled burger
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bacon Chili
- Bacon
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Chili powder
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Water
For the Burgers
- Hamburger patties
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings:
- Cheddar cheese
- Pickles
- Red onion
- Jalapeños
How To Make Bacon Chili Burgers
Step 1: Cook the bacon
- Place a stock pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced bacon and cook until beginning to crisp.
Step 2: Brown the beef
- Add ground beef and minced onion.
- Cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Build the chili
Add:
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- chili powder
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- water
Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer
- Reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Grill the burgers
- Preheat grill to 400°F
- Cook patties to desired doneness.
Step 6: Build the burgers
- Place burgers on buns.
- Top with a generous spoonful of bacon chili.
- Add toppings and serve.
Bacon Chili Burger Recipe
Equipment
- Stock pot
- grill
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
Bacon Chili
- 1/2 lb bacon (thinly sliced)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion (minced)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups water
Burgers
- 4 hamburger patties
- 4 burger buns
Optional toppings:
- Cheddar cheese
- Pickles
- Red onion
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Place a stock pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced bacon and cook until beginning to crisp.
- Add ground beef and onion.
- Cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
- Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat grill to 400°F.
- Grill burger patties until cooked to desired doneness.
- Toast buns if desired.
- Place burgers on buns.
- Spoon bacon chili over each burger.
- Add toppings and serve.
Notes
- Simmer the chili long enough for it to thicken
- Drain excess grease if needed
- Make the chili ahead for easier assembly
- Toasting the buns helps hold the chili
- Use 80/20 beef for juicier burgers
Nutrition
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes. The flavor gets even better after sitting overnight.
Yes, though the flavor will be lighter.
Cheddar, pepper jack, or American all work well.
Yes. Use a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add cayenne or diced jalapeños.
These burgers pair perfectly with classic cookout sides like crispy fries, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, pasta salad, or grilled corn. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad works really well too.
