• In a small mixing bowl, stir together breadcrumbs and milk until they are thoroughly moistened (you may need some extra milk depending on the breadcrumbs you are using). Set aside.
• Cut the bacon into pieces and process it in a food processor until finely ground and add it to a large mixing bowl with the ground beef and moistened breadcrumbs.
• Add the salt, pepper, and ketchup to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
• Shape into eight quarter-pound burger patties.

On The Stove

• Preheat your pan over medium-high with 2 tablespoons of oil until it just starts to smoke.
• Cook undisturbed for two to three minutes. Flip and repeat the process on the other side until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. The hamburgers should come off the heat five to ten degrees below the final temperature because the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests (see the table in the post for a temperature guide). Medium doneness should cook to 135°F/57°C and rest to 140°F/60°C
• To make cheeseburgers, when the hamburgers are almost done, add sliced or shredded cheese directly to the burger patties. Cover the pan for about a minute to melt the cheese.

On The Grill

• Set the grill temperature to medium-high heat (375 to 400°F or 190 to 204°C) and allow it to preheat before starting. Once the grill has heated up, place your burgers, so they are not touching.
• Grill the burgers undisturbed until golden brown and slightly charred on the bottom (about 4-5 minutes). You'll know to flip them when you see the juice pool on the uncooked surface.
• Flip and cook until the other side is slightly charred and golden brown and the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. The hamburgers should come off the heat five to ten degrees below the final temperature because the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests (see the table in the post for a temperature guide). Medium doneness should cook to 135°F/57°C and rest to 140°F/60°C
• To make cheeseburgers, add sliced or shredded cheese directly to the burger patties when the hamburgers are almost done. Close the grill for about a minute to melt the cheese.

In The Oven

• Preheat the oven to 400°F/204°C
• Place the patties onto a sheet pan lined with foil, baking paper, or on a pan rack.
• Form a small indention on the surface of the burger to avoid puffing as it cooks.
• Bake for about 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level (see the post table for a temperature guide). The hamburgers should come out of the oven five to ten degrees below the final temperature. The temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests. Medium doneness should cook to 135°F/57°C and rest to 140°F/60°C
• To make cheeseburgers, add sliced or shredded cheese directly to the burger patties when the hamburgers are almost done. Place the pan back in the oven for about a minute to melt the cheese.

Air Fryer

• Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F/190°C and grease the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
• Add the hamburger patties in a single layer.
• Cook in the preheated fryer for 6 minutes. Flip the hamburger patties and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (see the table in the post for a temperature guide). The hamburgers should come off the heat five to ten degrees below the final temperature because the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests. Medium doneness should cook to 135°F/57°C and rest to 140°F/60°C
• To make cheeseburgers, when the hamburgers are almost done, remove the basket from the air fryer and add sliced or shredded cheese directly to the burger patties. Place the basket back into the air fryer at 375°F/190°C for a minute or two to melt the cheese.

Finishing Touches

• While your burgers rest, you can toast your buns if desired (see the post for options and directions).
• Top with your favorite toppings before serving.