Chef John's Grilled Bacon Meatloaf Burgers

Ingredients

• large egg, beaten
• tablespoon ketchup
• teaspoon sWorcestershire sauce
• teaspoon kosher salt
• teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• pinch dried thyme
• cayenne pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 2/3 cup chopped cooked bacon
• pound ground chuck beef (85% lean)

Instructions

1. Whisk egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl. Add breadcrumbs and chopped cooked bacon. Crumble in the ground beef. Mix with your fingers until bacon and breadcrumbs are distributed evenly.
2. Form mixture into 4 burgers with your wet hands. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled thoroughly, about 3 hours.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium high heat and lightly oil the grate.
4. Place burgers on the grate and cook, turing occasionally, until firm and cooked to your desired doneness. An instant read thermometer inserted into the center should read between 145 and 150 degrees F (63 degrees C). Let burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. Chef John