Smoky Bacon-Gouda Burgers

Makes 4 servings

1/4 c. onion, finely chopped

6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, crisply cooked and 1 T. drippings reserved

2 T. olive oil

1-3/4 c. onion, thinly sliced

1/4 c. steak sauce

1-1/2 lbs. ground beef sirloin

2 t. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. hot pepper sauce

1 T. steak seasoning

4 slices smoked Gouda cheese

4 kaiser rolls or onion rolls, split and toasted

Optional: crisply cooked bacon, sliced tomato, lettuce leaves

In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onion in reserved drippings until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Combine with bacon in a small bowl; set aside. Heat oil in skillet; add sliced onion and sauté, covered, until golden, about 10 minutes. Place in another bowl; stir in steak sauce and set aside. In a large bowl, combine beef, remaining sauces, seasoning and onion-bacon mixture; mix lightly and form into 4 patties. Grill over medium-high heat to desired doneness, topping with cheese slices when nearly done. Serve burgers on toasted rolls, topped with sliced onion mixture and other toppings as desired.

Fresh corn on the cob is always a favorite summer side dish. Make buttering ears a snap...add melted butter to a glass tall enough for dipping ears, one at a time.