Tired of the same old dinner routine? These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Flatbread Melts are about to revolutionize your weeknights, making dinnertime quick, easy, and incredibly delicious! Get ready for a new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Introducing Flatbread Melts: A Weeknight Wonder
There’s something universally appealing about the combination of smoky BBQ sauce, savory bacon, and hearty ground beef. In my household, this trio is a culinary obsession – seriously, my husband and sons could happily eat it every single day! While I enjoy these flavors too, their enthusiasm is on another level. This enduring love for classic American comfort food inspired me to create a dish that delivers all those beloved tastes with minimal effort.
Our family often enjoys sandwiches, typically making an appearance on our menu once a week. However, it’s all too easy to fall into a “sandwich rut,” where variety dwindles, and excitement wanes. That’s why it’s essential to occasionally “think outside the bun.” And let me tell you, these flatbread melts did exactly that! When I first served them, the reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. My boys (my husband included!) went absolutely wild for them, showering me with compliments and adoration. It felt like I’d pulled off a culinary miracle, but the truth is, they’re surprisingly simple to make. We can keep that as our little secret!
The Magic Behind Our Perfect Flatbread
Prepare to be amazed by the flatbread itself. It’s truly something special – incredibly soft, delightfully chewy, and boasts a wonderfully crispy exterior, making each bite an absolute joy. And here’s the best part: this fantastic flatbread starts with nothing more than a tube of refrigerated pizza dough! Yes, you read that right. This ingenious shortcut transforms a humble store-bought item into a gourmet-style base that tastes like it came from a specialty bakery. I confess, as a self-proclaimed carb-junkie, I could easily make a meal out of just this golden, perfectly textured bread alone. It’s that good!
The versatility of flatbread melts is practically endless. Once you master this base, you’ll unlock a “million ways” to create delicious meals using various ingredient combinations. Imagine being a “rock star” in your kitchen every night, churning out unique and satisfying dishes! For our BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Flatbread Melts, we chose a classic pairing that never disappoints. We served them alongside some crisp, fresh broccoli with a creamy dip and a vibrant side of fresh fruit. This combination resulted in a quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying meal that was enjoyed by every member of the family.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Flatbread Melts
Given how quick and easy this recipe is, I always gravitate towards equally simple and convenient side dishes. The goal is to maximize flavor and minimize fuss, especially on busy evenings. Sometimes, I opt for sides that can be prepared in advance, saving even more time when dinner rolls around. Here are some fantastic ideas to complement your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Flatbread Melts:
- Classic Deli Salads: Favorites like potato salad, macaroni salad, or creamy pea salad offer a comforting, familiar contrast to the warm flatbread. Their make-ahead nature means less stress at mealtime.
- Fresh & Light Options: A vibrant, garden-fresh salad or a colorful side of fruit are always excellent choices. They add a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory melts and require almost no preparation time.
- Crispy & Savory Bites: For those who love a bit of crunch, consider Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries for a healthier yet satisfying option, or classic Homemade Potato Chips for ultimate indulgence.
- Unique and Refreshing Sides: Don’t shy away from something a little different, like a delightful Pistachio Salad, a zesty Cucumber Tomato Salad, or a refreshing Summer Veggie Pasta Salad. These add texture and flavor dimensions that elevate the entire meal.
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Proper storage is key to enjoying your flatbread melts for days to come. The delicious ground beef mixture can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For the flatbreads, they are best kept at room temperature in a zip-top bag for up to two days to maintain their texture. If you need to store them longer, they can also be refrigerated for up to five days.
Reheating for Optimal Enjoyment
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly will ensure they taste just as good as fresh. For the ground beef mixture, simply place it in a microwave-safe container and heat on half power for about three minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Keep in mind that actual heating time may vary based on the quantity and your microwave’s wattage.
To restore the flatbreads to their crispy glory, I recommend reheating them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five to ten minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for about 20 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy as when oven-reheated.
8
servings
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Flatbread Melts
Jamie Sherman
10
20
30
Print Recipe
Equipment
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4-Inch Pizza Wheel, Stainless Steel
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Ground Meat Chopper
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Simply Calphalon Nonstick Cookware Set
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Calphalon 5-Piece Nylon Kitchen Cooking Utensil Set
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough, 13.8 oz. (Alternatively, use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe if you prefer!)
- 1 – 1 ½ pounds ground beef (I recommend extra lean to minimize draining grease, but any kind works.)
- 1 small onion, minced (Yellow, white, sweet, or red onions are all suitable. Choose your favorite!)
- ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (Crispy bacon bits add incredible flavor and texture.)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce, to taste (The star of the show! Use a sweet, tangy, or smoky variety that you love.)
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, 6 oz. (Mild shredded Cheddar is perfect, but feel free to experiment with sharp or a blend of cheeses.)
Instructions
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Prepare the Flatbreads: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Unroll the tube of refrigerated pizza dough and, using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, divide it into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Take one piece of dough and gently flatten it with a rolling pin or your hands to your desired thickness. Carefully place the flattened dough into the hot oil. Cook on the first side until it’s beautifully browned and slightly puffed, typically about 1-2 minutes. Using tongs, carefully flip the dough piece over and cook the second side until equally golden brown. Remove the cooked flatbread to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining dough pieces, adding more oil to the pan as needed to maintain a consistent frying surface.
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Cook the Beef Mixture: While the flatbreads are cooking, in a separate large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef with the minced onion over medium heat. Stir frequently until the meat is no longer pink and the onion has softened. If using higher fat ground beef, drain any excess grease thoroughly. Once cooked, stir in the crumbled bacon. Next, add your favorite BBQ sauce to the beef and bacon mixture. The amount of BBQ sauce is to taste; we prefer ours to have a consistency similar to a “less messy Sloppy Joe’s” – flavorful but not overly saucy. Heat the mixture through, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Assemble and Serve: To serve these delightful flatbread melts, place a warm, fried flatbread on a plate. Spoon a generous portion of the hot BBQ bacon cheeseburger mixture over the flatbread. Finally, sprinkle a handful of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top. The residual heat from the beef mixture will gently melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible finish. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Recipe Tips & Customization
- Flavor Twist: For a different take, skip the BBQ sauce entirely and opt for classic ketchup and mustard instead. This gives it a more traditional cheeseburger profile.
- Onion-Free Option: If onions aren’t your favorite, feel free to omit them completely from the ground beef mixture. The melts will still be incredibly flavorful.
- Pickle Perfection: For an authentic cheeseburger experience, add a few pickle slices directly onto your melt before serving, or offer pickle spears on the side.
- Fresh Toppings: Enhance your flatbread melts with fresh shredded lettuce or thinly sliced tomatoes added just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions can also add a nice touch.
- Cheese Alternatives: While Cheddar is classic, experiment with other cheeses like Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, Swiss, or Provolone for a different melt profile.
- Spice it Up: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the beef mixture can add an extra layer of heat if you enjoy spicy food.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 544kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 100mg, Sodium: 737mg, Potassium: 315mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 223IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 169mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
More Burger-Inspired Recipes to Explore
If you loved these BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Flatbread Melts, you’re in for a treat! The world of burger-inspired dishes is vast and delicious. Here are a few other creative recipes from our collection that bring those irresistible flavors to your table in exciting new ways:
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Buns: All the flavors of your favorite burger, baked right into a fluffy bun.
- Southwest Cheeseburger: A zesty, flavorful twist on the classic, featuring vibrant Tex-Mex influences.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Comfort food at its finest, a hearty and warming soup packed with cheeseburger goodness.
- Slow Cooker Chipotle BBQ Meatballs: Easy, smoky, and slightly spicy meatballs perfect for appetizers or a main course.
- Grilled Chicken Marinade: While not a burger, this marinade can elevate any grilled chicken to burger-worthy deliciousness.
Originally published on October 10, 2012. Updated on May 6, 2021.