Bacon-Stuffed Burgers

Makes 8 servings

4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled and drippings reserved

1/4 c. onion, chopped

4-oz. can mushroom pieces, drained and diced

1 lb. ground beef

1 lb. ground pork sausage

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 t. pepper

1/2 t. garlic powder

2 T. steak sauce

8 sandwich buns, split

Optional: lettuce

Heat 2 tablespoons reserved drippings in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender. Add cooked bacon and mushrooms; heat through and set aside. Combine beef, sausage, cheese, pepper, garlic powder and steak sauce in a large bowl. Shape into 16 thin patties. Spoon bacon mixture over 8 patties. Place remaining patties on top and press edges tightly to seal. Grill over medium coals to desired doneness. Serve on buns with lettuce, if desired.

Traveling a distance to your cookout site? Wrap and freeze burgers or marinated meat before packing in an ice chest. The frozen meat will help keep other items cold and will thaw in time for grilling.