BBQ Rubbed Bacon And Cheddar Stuffed Burgers

BBQ Rubbed Bacon And Cheddar Stuffed Burgers 

With Grilled Onions, Tomatoes, And Lettuce

Ingredients:
Rub
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar 

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or cayenne) 

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Burgers:
1 1/2 lbs. good-quality ground beef
6 slices bacon, diced and cooked until crisp 

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil
4 good-quality hamburger buns

Toppings:
1 large onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 tablespoon grapeseed or vegetable oil or some of the bacon fat 

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce of choice
4 slices tomato
4 red lettuce leaves
Directions:
Rub:
Combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl; set aside. Form the beef into 8 thin patties. Toss cheese with bacon and place an equal amount on 4 of the patties. Place remaining patties over the filling and pinch edges to seal. Refrigerate until ready to cook.

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook sliced onions in oil with a pinch of salt until wilted and nicely browned, about 12 minutes; keep warm. Stir together the mayonnaise and BBQ sauce.

Preheat grill. Coat burgers generously with rub and brush or dab with oil. Grill burgers until cooked to desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Grill buns to toast lightly.

To assemble, spread half mayo/BBQ sauce on the bottom of the buns. Top with burgers and then grilled onions. Top with tomato and lettuce leaf and finish with top bun which has been spread with the remaining mayo/BBQ sauce.      Serves 4