The Labor Day Burger

Ingredients

6 slices bacon

1 tablespoon bacon drippings

1 pound ground beef

1 cup dry bread crumbs

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

1 pinch of ground black pepper

1/2 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese, or more to taste

2 thin tomato slices

2 slices avocado

2 hamburger buns

Method of Preparation

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned but not totally crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Retain 1 tablespoon bacon drippings.

Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and retained bacon drippings in a bowl until thoroughly combined; divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a large patty, making them as thin as possible. Sprinkle shredded Colby-Jack cheese onto 2 of the patties, leaving an edge about 3/4 inch wide uncovered. Place second patty onto the cheese and press the edges of the patties together to create 2 cheese-stuffed burgers. Place stuffed patties into freezer to chill slightly, about 10 minutes.