CHEDDAR-BEER BURGERS with BACON

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup beer
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 hamburger buns
4 lettuce leaves
4 slices tomato
4 thick slices red onion
8 slices cooked bacon

1. Prepare grill for direct cooking.

2. Combine beef, cheese, beer, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently to combine. Shape into 4 patties, making centers of patties slightly thinner than the edges.

3. Cook patties on lightly oiled grate over medium-high heat, 6 to 7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.

4. Meanwhile, combine the ketchup and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Set 1 bun botttom onto each of 4 plates. Top each with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 tomato slice, 1 onion slice, 1 cooked patty, 2 slices bacon, 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup mixture and cover with tops of buns.
Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

WESTERN BARBECUE BURGERS with BEER BARBECUE SAUCE

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup smokehouse-style barbecue sauce
1/4 cup brown ale
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
4 hamburger buns
8 slices thick-sliced bacon, crisp-cooked
Lettuce leaves
Sliced tomato

1. Prepare grill for direct cooking. Shape beef into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. Cover and refrigerate.

2. Combine barbecue sauce, ale, salt and black pepper in small saucepan. Bring to a boil; boil 1 minute. Remove from heat; set aside.

3. Grill patties over medium-high heat, covered, 8 to 10 minutes {or uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes} until cooked through {160 degrees} or to desired degree of doneness, turning occasionally. Grill onion 4 minutes or until softened and slightly charred, turning occasionally.

4. Place patties on bottom halves of buns; top with onion, bacon and barbecue sauce mixture. Place lettuce and tomatoes on top halves of buns.
Serve open-faced on plate.

Makes 4 servings.