Meatloaf Hamburgers with Bacon Barbecue Sauce

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the fat renders. Remove 2/3rds of the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Continue to cook the remaining bacon for 3 minutes or until just crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Do not drain the bacon grease.

Combine the partially cooked bacon (not the crisp ones) with the ground beef, sausage, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well but do not over work the meat. Form the beef mixture into equal sized patties.

Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side or until done.

Meanwhile, add the onion and garlic to the bacon fat in the skillet and cook over medium heat. Cook for 3 minutes or until soft. Add the ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the sauce to a blender with the crisp bacon. Process until smooth.

Place the cooked burgers on the buns and top with several tablespoons of the bacon barbecue sauce. Add any additional toppings as desired.