Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Filling:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the cheesy filling)
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped (for a smoky, crispy element)
• For the Onion Rings:
  • 2 large onions, sliced into thick rings
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
  • 2 large eggs (for binding)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper. Once the beef is cooked through, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. The cheese should melt and combine with the beef and bacon, creating a cheesy, flavorful filling. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the onion rings: While the beef mixture is cooling, slice the onions into thick rings. You should be able to get 2-3 rings per onion, depending on the size. Carefully remove the inner layers of each ring to create hollow rings that will hold the filling. Set aside.
3. Stuff the onion rings: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the hollow center of each onion ring, pressing gently to pack the filling in. Be generous with the filling, making sure it’s well-packed in each ring. Continue until all the onion rings are stuffed.
4. Coat the onion rings: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this for each stuffed onion ring.
5. Fry the onion rings: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the onion rings for frying. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded onion rings in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn the rings occasionally for even frying. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve: Once all the onion rings are fried, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy barbecue sauce. These Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings are best enjoyed immediately while they’re crispy and cheesy!
   

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