Burgers and Beans: Recipes for a Perfect Summer BBQ

Hot summer nights are the perfect time to grill up some hamburgers. Plain burgers are tasty but I think you'll agree these Bacon-Stuffed Burgers are delicious. I admit they are more work than plain old burgers but they are well worth the effort. The perfect side for the fancy burgers is Zesty Baked Beans. This dish combines chili beans with pork and beans and enchilada sauce for extra zip. Add a plate of fresh sliced tomatoes and some chips and dinner is served. If you have room left for desert try my recipes for Root Beer Cake or Frozen Fruit Slushy for a perfect ending to a perfect summer meal.

Bacon-Stuffed Burgers

Ingredients:

4 slices bacon

¼ cup chopped onion

1 can mushroom stems and pieces, drained and finely chopped

1 lb. ground beef

1 lb. ground pork sausage

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons steak sauce

Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Sauté onions in drippings until tender; add crumbled bacon and mushrooms to skillet and set aside. Combine pork, beef, cheese, pepper, garlic powder, and steak sauce in a large bowl. Form meat mixture into 16 thin patties. Divide bacon mixture and place on 8 patties. Top with remaining patties and seal edges. Grill over medium coals until well-done. Serve on buns with lettuce and pickles.

Zesty Baked Beans

Served with corn bread and salad; these tasty beans can make a meal on their own. I always receive plenty of compliments when I take them to a potluck dinner.

Ingredients:

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 can (28 ounces) pork and beans

1 can (15 ½ ounces) chili beans

¾ cup finely chopped onion

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 can (8 ounces) enchilada sauce

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Combine all ingredients except cheese. Place in a greased 2 quart casserole dish and bake, uncovered, at 475 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 and continue baking for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 15 minutes longer.