8 slices bacon
1 large white onion sliced thin
1 pound ground chuck
3 tablespoons butter softened
8 slices bread thick sliced like Texas Toast
8 slices American cheese
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the bacon slices to the skillet. Cook until crisp, flipping as needed. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside.
In the same skillet with the bacon fat (remove some if it’s excessive), add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, and push the onions to the side of the skillet or griddle.
Shape the beef into 4 patties. Season both sides of the patties with salt and ground black pepper.
Place the beef patties in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium done. Adjust the time based on your preferred level of done.
While the burgers are cooking, toast the bread. Heat a clean medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Butter each slice of bread on one side. Place the bread butter-side down in the skillet. Lay one slice of American cheese on each bread slice. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until the bread is toasted. Remove bread from the skillet.
Place the burger patties on the bread that has been toasted on top of the cheese.
Add one-quarter of the grilled onions to the burger patty, place two slices of bacon on top of the grilled onions, and top with the other slice of toasted cheese bread.
Slice the patty melts in half and serve immediately with your favorite condiments on the side.