The Texas Squealer Burger: A Symphony of Smoke and Savory

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted a burger quite like this. It was at a dusty roadside diner just outside of Austin. The air hung thick with the smell of mesquite smoke, and the sizzle of grilling meat was a constant, comforting soundtrack. I bit into this behemoth of a burger, and the explosion of flavors – savory beef, smoky bacon, and a hint of sweet onion – was pure Texas magic. I knew right then I had to recreate it. This recipe is my homage to that unforgettable taste of Texas, a tribute to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs 80% lean ground beef
• 12 slices bacon, uncooked
• 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons grill seasoning (I use McCormicks Mesquite)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon minced dried onion
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns of your choice
• Your favorite burger toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Grill or grill pan

Instructions

1. Begin by chopping the raw bacon finely with a sharp knife. The key is to dice the bacon small enough to easily incorporate into the burger meat. To achieve this, I slice it in half lengthwise, then into strips, and finally dice it into small pieces.
2. Important Note: Avoid using a food processor for this step. A food processor can heat the bacon up too much, causing it to become gummy and stick together, which is not what we want for this recipe.
3. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, grill seasoning, garlic powder, minced dried onion, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Remember that the bacon and grill seasoning will also contribute saltiness, so taste as you go.
5. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in a tough burger. Mix until just combined.
6. Form the mixture into 6-8 patties, depending on your desired burger size. I usually aim for about 1/3 pound patties.
7. Place the formed patties on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking.
8. Put the patties in the freezer for 30 minutes before grilling. This step is optional, but highly recommended. Freezing the patties helps them hold their shape on the grill and prevents them from falling apart.
9. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
10. Grill the patties for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patties and the heat of your grill.
11. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for medium-well doneness. If you prefer your burgers more well-done, cook them to 165°F (74°C).
12. Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
13. While the burgers are resting, prepare your buns and toppings. Toast the buns if desired.
14. Top the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately. Cheese is always a welcome addition, and classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles work perfectly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bacon Fat Bonus: Don’t drain off all the bacon fat when you chop it. A little bit of that rendered fat in the burger adds extra flavor and keeps it incredibly moist.
• The Freezer Trick: If you’re short on time, you can skip the freezing step. However, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will still help them hold their shape on the grill.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the burger mixture.
• Grill Marks Matter: To achieve beautiful grill marks, rotate the patties 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side.
• Bun Selection: Choose a sturdy bun that can hold up to the juicy burger and toppings. Brioche buns, pretzel buns, or even toasted sourdough work well.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Texas Squealer Burger immediately while it’s hot and juicy. A side of crispy french fries, coleslaw, or onion rings complements the burger perfectly.

Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the burger in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

The cooked burger patties can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	375.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	269 g	72%
Total Fat	29.9 g	46%
Saturated Fat	11.1 g	55%
Cholesterol	91.5 mg	30%
Sodium	322.1 mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	3.4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	1.5 g	5%
Protein	21.5 g	43%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Leaner Option: Use 90% lean ground beef instead of 80% to reduce the fat content. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the mixture to keep the burgers moist.
• Turkey Squealer: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Serve the burger on gluten-free buns or without a bun at all.
• Spicy Squealer: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the burger mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Bacon Swap: Use turkey bacon for a lower-fat alternative, though it may not render as much flavor into the burger.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the burger patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the patties on the grill.

Q: Can I bake these burgers in the oven?
A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Q: What other toppings go well with this burger?
A: Caramelized onions, avocado, and a fried egg are all delicious additions.

Q: Can I use different types of grill seasoning?
A: Of course! Experiment with your favorite grill seasoning blends to customize the flavor of the burger.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Squealer Burger is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of the open road, the smoky grill, and the heart of Texas. I urge you to try this recipe and share the joy of a truly exceptional burger with your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite toppings and make it your own. And if you happen to find yourself on a dusty road outside of Austin, be sure to stop at that little diner – you might just find the inspiration for your next culinary masterpiece. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations! Share your photos and comments below.