Smash Burgers

Ingredients: 3 lbs ground beef, seasonings of choice, 1 package bacon, hamburger buns, butter, cheese. Toppings: fried eggs, lettuce, pickles, sautéed onion, jalapeño for Ky. Condiments: BBQ sauce, ketchup, spicy mustard. Method: Mix beef with whatever seasonings sound good. Cook bacon and keep warm in oven. Form beef into balls, smash onto griddle and sear; cook to 160°F internally (USDA safety recommendation). Remove bacon from oven. Butter buns and toast under low broil; remove from oven and cooking sheet. Add patties and cheese, then put in cooling oven until cheese melts. Set out toppings and condiments so everyone builds their own. Family note: Janessa reported cooking to 135°F for a pink center. Safety correction: 135°F is below the recommended safe temperature for ground beef. Use 160°F measured with a thermometer; color and juices do not establish safety. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/ground-beef-and-food-safety