Breakfast Burger

Ingredients

• Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Bacon (8 slices)
• Cheddar cheese (4 slices)
• Eggs (4 large)
• Burger buns (4, toasted)
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup)
• Lettuce (4 leaves, romaine or iceberg)
• Tomato (1 large, sliced)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Gently mix to combine, then form into 4 equal patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat.
3. In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
4. While the burgers are cooking, in a separate skillet, fry the eggs to your liking (sunny-side up or over-easy works best). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Toast the burger buns in the skillet or on a grill until golden brown. Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bottom half of each bun.
6. Assemble your breakfast burger by placing a lettuce leaf on the mayo-covered bun, followed by the cheesy beef patty, a slice of tomato, two slices of bacon, and the fried egg on top. Cap it with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve immediately with a side of crispy hash browns or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast experience.