Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready for a burger experience that’s a true fusion of American comfort food legends. Today, we’re taking the iconic flavors of a Philadelphia cheesesteak and melding them with a classic bacon burger to create the sensational Philly Bacon Cheesesteak Burger! Imagine a juicy beef patty infused with savory Worcestershire, topped with melty provolone cheese, crispy bacon, and a generous pile of sweet, caramelized onions and bell peppers, all nestled in a toasted bun. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a hearty, flavor-packed celebration that brings the best of both worlds to your plate!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it takes two ultimate comfort food classics—the rich, savory Philly cheesesteak and the beloved bacon burger—and combines them into one unbelievably delicious creation. The magic happens when the sweet, tender caramelized onions and bell peppers meet the smoky bacon and the gooey provolone cheese on top of a perfectly seasoned beef patty. The Worcestershire sauce in the burger mix adds a secret umami punch that really makes it sing. It’s hearty, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a cozy weeknight, a backyard BBQ, or any time you’re craving a serious flavor bomb. If you’re into creative sandwich twists that are big on cheese, you might also like how I turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your incredible Philly Bacon Cheesesteak Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is great for juicy burgers)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 slices of provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (potato or brioche buns are excellent)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: While ground beef is classic, you could experiment with thinly sliced steak (like ribeye or sirloin) cooked and chopped, similar to a traditional cheesesteak, for a more authentic texture, though it would require extra prep.
- Bacon: Cook it crispy! The crunch of bacon is essential for textural contrast against the soft vegetables and melted cheese.
- Onion & Green Bell Pepper: The combination of these two, caramelized in bacon fat, is crucial for the “Philly” flavor. Feel free to use other colored bell peppers for more visual appeal.
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone is a classic choice for cheesesteaks due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. White American cheese or a cheese wiz (for a truly authentic Philly experience!) could also be used.
- Hamburger Buns: Sturdy hamburger buns like potato rolls, brioche buns, or even a soft ciabatta roll would work well. Toasting them is a must!
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a depth of umami to the burger patty that really sets it apart. Don’t skip it!
- Condiments: While ketchup and mayonnaise are suggested, feel free to add a bit of hot sauce, dijon mustard, or even a specialized “burger sauce” to your liking.
Steps for the Recipe
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the 4 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until they are perfectly crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the delicious bacon grease in the skillet for the vegetables.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced onion and sliced green bell pepper. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and beautifully caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare & Cook Burger Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, then form the mixture into 4 equal-sized burger patties.
- Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned on both sides and cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
- Melt the Cheese: When the patties are almost done cooking, place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each hot patty and allow it to melt from the residual heat. You can cover the skillet briefly to speed up the melting process.
- Toast Buns: While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or oven until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Burgers: Now for the grand assembly of your Philly Bacon Cheesesteak Burger!
- Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.
- Place the cheesy burger patty on top of the mayonnaise.
- Top the patty with a slice of the crispy bacon (you can break it in half to fit).
- Pile a generous spoonful of the warm, caramelized onion and green pepper mixture on top of the bacon.
- Spread ketchup on the top half of the bun.
- Place the top bun on the burger to complete your masterpiece.
- Serve: Serve your delicious Philly Bacon Cheesesteak Burgers hot and prepare to be amazed by this incredible flavor fusion!
Tips for Success
- Render Bacon Fat: Cooking the vegetables in the bacon fat adds immense flavor and truly contributes to the “cheesesteak” essence.
- Caramelize Veggies Well: Take your time with the onions and bell peppers. Proper caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
- Don’t Overmix Beef: Mix the burger patty ingredients just until combined to ensure tender, juicy burgers.
- Toast Buns: This is crucial for structure and flavor. It also prevents the bun from getting soggy from the juicy fillings.
- Serve Immediately: These burgers are best enjoyed hot and fresh, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the bacon is crispy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Philly Bacon Cheesesteak Burger is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. For sides, classic diner fries, crispy potato chips, or a simple coleslaw would be perfect. For other fantastic, cheesy options that are perfect for sharing, you might also like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or a classic Beer Cheese Dip that disappears in minutes! As for drinks, a cold soda, a light lager, or even a classic root beer would be excellent complements to this savory burger.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This burger is truly best enjoyed fresh off the skillet. Assembled burgers do not store well due to the moist components. However, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time: cooked bacon, cooked caramelized onions and bell peppers, and burger patties can all be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat patties and veggies gently, and then assemble fresh just before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the bold and delicious fusion of this Philly Bacon Cheesesteak Burger, you’ll find plenty more exciting inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another fun take on a classic sandwich in dip form, check out how I turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- And if you’re looking for an easy, cheesy dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, my Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears is a must-try!
Final Thoughts
The Philly Bacon Cheesesteak Burger is a testament to how creative culinary mashups can result in something incredibly delicious and satisfying. It’s hearty, full of character, and offers a delightful combination of beloved flavors in every single bite. Get ready for a burger that truly hits all the right notes!
I hope you give this unique burger a try! What are your favorite regional food combinations that you think would make a great burger? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy cooking!
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