Smokey Beef & Bacon Cheeseburger

• Meanwhile, thinly slice onion. • In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook bacon, turning, until browned, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. • Return the pan to medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 5-6 minutes. • Add the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and a splash of water and mix well. Reduce heat to medium and cook until dark and sticky, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

• While the onion is cooking, combine beef mince, All-American spice blend, fine breadcrumbs (see ingredients), the salt and egg in a large bowl. Season with pepper and mix well. • Using damp hands, shape beef mixture into evenly sized patties (1 per person), slightly larger than the burger buns.

TIP: Make a shallow indent in the centre of each patty to help prevent it puffing up as it cooks.

Little cooks: Join the fun by helping combine the ingredients and shaping the mixture into patties!

• Wash and dry the frying pan, then return to medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. • When oil is hot, cook beef patties until cooked through, 4-5 minutes each side. • In the last 1-2 minutes of cook time, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over patties and cover with a lid (or foil) so the cheese melts.

• Meanwhile, slice tomato. • Bake burger buns directly on a wire oven rack until heated through, 3 minutes.