Bacon Wrapped Burger Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe

I made these Bacon Wrapped Burger Stuffed Onion Rings for a weekend cookout, and they were an instant hit with everyone at the table. I love how the smoky cherry wood flavors penetrate through the savory bacon and rich ground beef while keeping the center juicy.

Wrapping the bacon takes a little patience on your first try, but once you get the hang of it, it is smooth sailing. Trust me, dipping these crispy, saucy onion rings into tangy Wahl Sauce is pure barbecue perfection.

Ingredients

Here is a breakdown of what you will need for this recipe:

  • 1 pound ground beef – Serves as the rich, juicy burger filling inside the onion rings. Higher fat blends like 80/20 keep the centers moist while smoking.
  • 1 large yellow onion – Cut into sturdy outer and inner rings to create the nested ring structure that holds the burger patty together.
  • 1 pound bacon – Wraps around the entire stuffed onion ring, creating a smoky, crispy outer shell that seals in all the savory juices.
  • 1 tbsp burger rub – Seasons the ground beef patty directly to elevate the beefy flavor profile before wrapping.
  • 2 tbsp BBQ rub – Generously coated over the bacon exterior to form a flavorful, caramelized crust during the cook.
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce – Brushed over the bacon near the end of smoking to create a tacky, sweet, and sticky glaze.
  • Wahl Sauce for dipping – The ultimate creamy, savory dipping sauce to complement the smoky bacon and beef.

Note: Serves 4 people as a hearty appetizer or main dish.

Variations

Here are a few tasty alternative ingredient options and flavor tweaks you can try:

  • Bison or Turkey Swap: Substitute the ground beef with ground bison for a leaner, rich flavor profile, or ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
  • Cheese-Stuffed Core: Place a cube of sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella inside the inner burger layer before wrapping for a molten cheesy center.
  • Heat Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into your BBQ rub, or brush with a spicy habanero BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
  • Grill Adaptation: If you do not have a smoker, cook these low and slow over indirect heat on a standard outdoor grill using a wood chip smoker box.
Bacon Wrapped Burger Stuffed Onion Rings
Credit: Pinterest

Cooking Time

Here is the timing breakdown for preparing and cooking this dish:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Gather these tools before you start cooking:

  • Smoker: Used to smoke the stuffed onion rings at a low temperature using cherry wood for maximum flavor.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing the large yellow onion cleanly into thick, sturdy 1/2-inch rings.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for prepping the onions, beef patties, and bacon wrapping.
  • Meat Thermometer: Measures the internal temperature of the beef to ensure it safely reaches 145°F.
  • Pastry Brush: Used to coat the outside of the bacon with sticky BBQ sauce during the final minutes of cooking.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Burger Stuffed Onion Rings?

Making these stuffed onion rings is a fun, hands-on process that yields massive flavor. Follow these step-by-step instructions to assemble and smoke them to perfection.

Prepping and Nesting the Onions

Start by slicing your large yellow onion into clean 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings carefully so you have both large outer rings and smaller inner rings ready to use. Lay out a large outer onion ring on your cutting board as the outer border. Press about 1/4 pound of seasoned ground beef into the inside ring of the onion, forming a central cavity. Insert a smaller onion ring into that middle hole to complete the nested ring structure.

Seasoning and Wrapping with Bacon

Season the exposed beef patties thoroughly with your favorite burger rub. Take strips of bacon and carefully wrap them around the stuffed onion ring, overlapping slightly until the beef and onion are completely covered. Once tightly wrapped, sprinkle your favorite BBQ rub over all sides of the bacon-wrapped rings, coating them evenly for maximum bark formation.

Smoking and Glazing

Set your smoker to 275°F and add cherry wood chips or chunks for a sweet, smoky profile. Place the wrapped onion rings directly onto the smoker grates and cook for about 60 minutes total. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, use a pastry brush to coat the exterior generously with BBQ sauce.

Checking Temp and Serving

Monitor the internal temperature of the ground beef using an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center. Once the burger reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and the BBQ sauce has tacked up into a shiny glaze, carefully remove them from the smoker. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving hot alongside Wahl Sauce for dipping.

Bacon Wrapped Burger Stuffed Onion Rings
Credit: Pinterest

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are a few practical tips I learned while making these to guarantee great results:

  • I found that keeping the bacon slightly cold straight from the fridge makes it much easier to stretch and wrap tightly around the onion rings.
  • I always double-check that the bacon ends are tucked securely underneath the ring on the grate so they do not unwrap while cooking.
  • Using cherry wood gave me the absolute best balance of sweet smoke color and rich flavor without overpowering the beef.
  • I make sure not to rush the smoker temperature so the bacon has enough time to render down completely and crisp up smoothly.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Burger Stuffed Onion Rings?

Serve these stuffed onion rings hot off the smoker on a wooden board, garnished with chopped chives or extra parsley for a vibrant contrast against the dark BBQ glaze.

They make a massive impression as an appetizer for game days, tailgates, or backyard BBQs. Set out a generous bowl of Wahl Sauce right in the center so everyone can dip their crispy, smoky rings before taking a bite.

Bacon Wrapped Burger Stuffed Onion Rings
Credit: Pinterest

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe:

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fat: 28 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Keep your leftovers tasting fresh with these simple handling guidelines:

Storage Guidelines

Allow the cooked stuffed onion rings to cool completely before placing them into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat the rings in an oven or air fryer preheated to 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes to crisp the bacon back up. Avoid microwaving them, as it makes the bacon rubbery and the onion soft.

Freezing Recommendations

Freezing cooked bacon-wrapped onion rings is not recommended because thawing breaks down the raw onion texture and causes excess moisture. Assemble them fresh or freeze only the raw seasoned beef patties separately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this recipe will be a standout favorite for your next cookout:

  • Ultimate Flavor Fusion: Combines the crispiness of bacon, the juiciness of a burger patty, and the sweetness of roasted onion into a single bite.
  • Unbeatable Smokiness: Slow-cooking over cherry wood imparts a rich, sweet smoke profile that takes standard comfort food to the next level.
  • Fun and Customizable: You can easily experiment with different BBQ rubs, spicy sauces, or cheese fillings to match your taste.
  • Showstopping Presentation: The unique nested ring structure wrapped in glazed bacon makes for a visually stunning dish that impresses any crowd.

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