• Divide the hamburger into 6 equal-ish balls for burger patties.
• Pack the ground beef enough to keep it together in a patty, but avoid overhandling or handling it roughly. Flatten the patties to a little less than ½ inch to help them cook through. If your burger is too thick, it typically stays pink inside.
• Season both sides with Montreal Steak Seasoning or garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
• Preheat the grill. I like cooking these on the charcoal grill, but you do you. Make sure you get the grill very hot before adding your burgers. If your heat isn't high enough, the fat just leaks out, leaving a dry burger.
• If you are cooking in the skillet, preheat on a medium-high flame. If you are using the griddle, preheat to 400 degrees.
• Preheat the oven and follow the directions for cooking the frozen onion rings.

Cooking the Burger 🍔

• Place the burger patties on the hot grill with space between each patty.
• Now LEAVE THEM ALONE and let them get a nice, brown, crisp crust on the bottom.
• Gently lift the edge of the burger when the sizzling has slowed down to see if the bottom is browned and crisp. If so, flip.
• Allow the burger to cook on the second side without disturbing the patty, and cook until desired doneness.

Testing a burger for doneness 🌡️

• I like the finger test the best since it doesn't require any equipment. Pushing the burger patty down and paying attention to the resistance is the easiest way to tell if it is done. The burger is well done when you push your finger down onto the patty and it feels firm, like the end of your nose. To practice the finger test, poke the burger along the way so you can get a feel for each stage of cooking.
• Or use a digital thermometer by inserting the stem into the burger sideways. At 120°F, the burger will be rare. At 130°F, it'll be medium-rare. 140°F is medium, 150°F is medium-well, and over 160°F is well done. The FDA recommends cooking all ground beef to 160°F.
• Avoid cooking your burger over 160 degrees or it will become dry and nothing to brag about.
• Top with the cheese and allow to melt.

TOAST BUNS in the broiler 🔥

• Place buttered buns with the buttered side up under the broiler of your oven and allow the buns to brown.
• Alternatively, you can toast buns in a skillet or on the grill. However, I feel like they dry out a bit on the grill.

ASSEMBLING THE Rodeo BURGER 🔨

• Place the burger patty with melted cheese on top of the bottom bun.
• Top with sliced jalapenos, 2-3 onion rings, a slice of bacon and a drizzle of Country Bobs. Put the top bun on and enjoy!