Devin Alexander's BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

The barbecue bacon cheeseburger is usually a guilty pleasure. Here, I've combined these favorite flavors in a reasonable-sized burger that's even more scrumptious because the ingredients are fresh and guilt free. Please, though, don't cheat when buying the beef. Some people think that buying 93% lean ground beef isn't that much different from the 96% lean, but it is. Four ounces of the 96% lean has about 150 calories and 4½ grams of fat. Four ounces of the 93% lean has 170 calories and 8 grams of fat. Yes, the 96% lean is more expensive, but you're worth it (plus, in the long term, you'll be saving money on doctor bills)!

Directions:

1. Pack the beef tightly together with your hands and then shape it into a 4-inch-diameter patty on a sheet of wax paper. Sprinkle lightly with salt on both sides and then place in the freezer for 5 minutes (to help the patty keep its shape).
2. Preheat a grill to high.
3. Cut the whole bacon strip in half crosswise. Lay the 3 half strips side by side in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook, flipping them every couple of minutes, until crispy and well done, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
4. Meanwhile, remove the patty from the freezer and place it on the grill. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium rare or until the desired doneness is reached. Toast the bun halves on an upper grill rack for 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching them carefully. Place the cheese on top of the burger for the last few seconds of cooking so it just begins to melt.
5. Add the patty to the toasted bun bottom. Lay the bacon strips side by side over the top. Place the onion over that. Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the inside of the top half of the bun. Place the bun top atop the sandwich. Serve immediately.
6. Can be made in 30 minutes or less and it takes no more than 20 minutes of hands-on prep time.

MAKES 1 BURGER; 1 SERVING
Each 3-Decadent-Dish serving (1 burger) has: 304 calories, 33 g protein, 23 g carbohydrates, 10 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 752 mg sodium You save: 180 calories, 22 g fat, 8 g saturated fat Traditional serving: 484 calories, 29 g protein, 19 g carbohydrates, 32 g fat, 12 g saturated fat, 99 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 712 mg sodium Recipe taken from "The Biggest Loser" chef Devin Alexander's book, "The Most Decadent Diet Ever!" Copyright © 2008 by Devin Alexander published by Broadway Books, a division of Random House Inc. www.devinalexander.com

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