Peanut Butter Bacon Burger

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef sirloin
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 slices applewood-smoked bacon
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (such as Tillamook)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 6 hamburger buns
• 6 leaves lettuce
• 2 tomatoes, sliced

Directions

Mix ground beef, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl until evenly blended. Form beef mixture into 6 4-inch wide patties. Transfer patties to a large plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until patties are slightly firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.

Cook beef patties on preheated grill until they are beginning to firm and are hot and slightly pink in the center, about 4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over patties about a minute before they are done.

Mix peanut butter and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat peanut butter mixture in the microwave until slightly runny, about 25 seconds. Stir again.

Spread peanut butter mixture over hamburger buns and top with beef patties, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon.