4-Step Triple Play Burger with Bacon, Pork & Beef
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This triple play burger brings together bacon, ground pork, and ground beef for an ultra‑juicy, extremely flavorful patty that’s rich and satisfying with every bite in four easy steps. Mixed, formed, and cooked just right, these hearty burgers are topped with sharp cheddar and layered with fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion on toasted brioche buns — perfect for backyard cookouts, weekend dinners, or game day gatherings. If you love loaded burgers, be sure to try this delicious chorizo goat cheese burger with tomato chow chow or my jalapeño popper burgers (that certainly pack an extra punch!) next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ultimate juiciness – The blend of bacon, pork, and beef locks in amazing flavor and moisture.
• Big flavor profile – Smoky bacon and sharp cheddar add depth and balance.
• Easy to assemble – Simple steps make it approachable even for novice cooks.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Bacon – I like to use applewood-smoked bacon as it adds a little maple and smoky flavor. Make sure the bacon is finely chopped in this recipe otherwise it can add an unpleasant texture to the burger.
- Ground pork – Ground pork typically comes from minced pork shoulder meat and is incredibly versatile.
- Ground Beef – Opt for a blend of 80% lean/ 20% fat ground beef. The fat adds flavor to the blended meat burger.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Resist pressing down on the burgers as they cook. Letting the patties sear undisturbed keeps the bacon fat and meat juices locked in, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful burger.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Meat ratio: Use all ground beef if you don’t have pork on hand.
- Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss for different flavor.
- Buns: Use potato rolls, pretzel buns, or whole wheat buns to change texture.
- Greens: Substitute romaine or arugula if you prefer over leaf lettuce.
How to Make a Triple Play Burger (Step-by-Step)
In a medium size mixing bowl gently combine the bacon, pork and beef with your hands, being careful not to over-mix.
Form the mixture into 4 equal balls then flatten them into discs. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a grill or use a medium cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, cook the burgers until desired doneness, about 4 minutes on each side for medium rare. Adding a slice of cheddar cheese right after flipping.
Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Add a burger patty followed by a slice of tomato, red onion, and lettuce. Close the burger and serve immediately.
How to Serve Triple Play Burgers
- Classic style: Place the cooked burger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
- With condiments: Add mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, or your favorite burger sauce.
- Side pairings: Serve with thick‑cut fries, onion rings, or a crisp green salad.
- For gatherings: Offer pickles, extra cheese slices, and toppings buffet‑style so guests can customize.
How to Store Triple Play Burgers
- Short‑term: Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Buns: Store buns separately at room temperature in a sealed bag.
- Reheat: Warm burgers in a low oven or skillet to maintain juiciness.
- Freeze: Freeze patties cooled completely for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
This burger combines bacon, ground pork, and ground beef in the patty itself, giving it rich flavor and juiciness you don’t get with beef alone.
Yes, grilling over medium heat works great and adds nice char and smoky flavor.
Season simply with salt and pepper to let the bacon and meat blend shine.
Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, Swiss, or even smoked gouda are excellent options.
You can mix and form the patties ahead, refrigerate them, and cook when ready — just don’t season until just before cooking.
Other Recipes to Try
Loved this loaded triple play burger? Take a peek at some of my favorite burger variations below:
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Triple Play Burger with Bacon, Pork & Beef
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Ingredients:
- ¼ pound applewood smoked bacon, finely chopped
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ pound ground beef (85/15)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 brioche buns, split in half and toasted
- 1 medium heirloom tomato, sliced
- 4 slices red onion
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
Instructions:
- In a medium size mixing bowl gently combine the bacon, pork and beef with your hands, being careful not to over-mix.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal balls then flatten them into discs. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill or use a medium cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, cook the burgers until desired doneness, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium. Adding a slice of cheddar cheese right after flipping.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Add a burger patty followed by a slice of tomato, red onion, and lettuce. Close the burger and serve immediately.
Notes:
Nutrition:
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