The Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake features a juicy beef patty topped with smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, and tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled in a toasted bun for a hearty, flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Fryer or deep-frying pan
- Saucepan or microwave (for warming barbecue sauce)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Bun toaster or toaster/grill
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 8 strips smoky bacon
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy onion rings
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
When preparing the Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger, select high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content for optimal juiciness. Use smoky bacon strips to replicate the signature flavor found in the Steak 'n Shake original. Fresh cheddar cheese slices melt better and enhance the richness of the burger. For crispy onion rings, opt for ready-made or freshly fried for superior texture. Your Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger copycat menu will deliver an authentic and satisfying experience with these ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Form ground beef into 4 equal patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Cook patties on grill or griddle to desired doneness.
- Cook bacon strips in a pan until crispy; set aside.
- Fry or bake onion rings until crispy; set aside.
- Warm barbecue sauce in saucepan or microwave.
- During last minute of cooking, place cheddar cheese on patties to melt.
- Toast hamburger buns in bun toaster or on grill.
- Place cooked beef patty with melted cheese on bottom half of bun.
- Add 2 strips of bacon on top of each patty.
- Place a portion of crispy onion rings over bacon.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce over onion rings.
- Cap sandwich with top half of bun.
- Serve immediately on plate or tray.
Substitution
The Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger copycat recipe combines a flavorful beef patty with smoky bacon, melted cheddar, crispy onion rings, and tangy barbecue sauce on a toasted bun. If you don't have a deep fryer, you can make crispy onion rings by baking them in the oven or air frying for a healthier option. When grilling the bacon, use tongs to prevent curling and ensure even cooking. If cheddar cheese is not available, try using a sharp American cheese or smoked gouda for a similar melt and taste. You can warm the barbecue sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave to enhance its flavors before adding it to your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure the ground beef patties are evenly shaped and not packed too tightly to maintain juiciness during grilling. When cooking bacon, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning while achieving crispiness. Use a spatula to carefully flip the patties, preserving their shape and preventing loss of juices. Toasting the buns just before assembling enhances texture and helps prevent sogginess from the barbecue sauce.
Nutritions
Your Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger packs approximately 800-900 calories per serving, mainly from the rich beef patty, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. This burger delivers about 45-55 grams of protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety. The crispy onion rings and barbecue sauce contribute additional fats and sugars, impacting overall calorie and carbohydrate content. Enjoying this hearty burger occasionally can fit into a balanced diet but be mindful of sodium and saturated fat levels.
Storage
Store the Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger components separately to maintain freshness and texture; refrigerate cooked beef patties, crispy bacon, and onion rings in airtight containers. Keep cheddar cheese slices wrapped tightly to prevent drying out, and store hamburger buns in a cool, dry place or freeze for longer preservation. When ready to enjoy, reheat patties and bacon gently on a grill or griddle, warm barbecue sauce in a saucepan or microwave, and toast buns before assembly to ensure your burger retains its full flavor and quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences while maintaining a juicy texture. Try using smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile. For a twist on the crispy onion rings, consider caramelized onions or fried shallots to add a sweet or savory crunch. To elevate the barbecue sauce, mix in a bit of chipotle or honey for extra smoky heat or sweetness.
Allergies
The Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the hamburger buns and crispy onion rings. Smoky bacon may contain preservatives like nitrates, which can trigger sensitivities in some individuals. If you have allergies to beef, eggs (sometimes in onion rings or buns), or specific additives in barbecue sauce, it's important to check ingredient labels carefully before enjoying your meal.
Why this recipe?
The Western BBQ 'n Bacon Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake combines smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and juicy steakburger patties that deliver a rich and savory flavor profile. The unique blend of textures, from melted cheese to crunchy onions, creates a satisfying bite that appeals to BBQ enthusiasts and burger lovers alike. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients and replicate the iconic taste in your own kitchen, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home. Your effort to master this recipe can bring authentic Western BBQ flavors to your dining table with every bite.