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1
Heat the oven to 200 degrees F, arrange a rack in the middle, and place a baking sheet on the rack.
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2
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions.
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3
Shape each portion into an even 1/2-inch-thick patty thats about 1 inch wider in diameter than the hamburger buns.
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4
Using your thumb, make a shallow 1-1/2-inch-wide indentation in the center of each patty.
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5
Place the bacon in a large frying pan.
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6
Cook over medium heat, turning once, until browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
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7
(Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in 2 batches.)
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8
Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and set it aside.
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9
Remove about half of the bacon fat from the pan and set it aside.
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10
Season the hamburger patties generously on both sides so that you can see a thin layer of salt and pepper.
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11
Return the pan to medium heat, place 2 of the patties in the pan indentation-side up, and let them cook undisturbed in the bacon fat until browned on the bottom (do not press down on them), about 4 minutes.
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12
Flip the patties over, place 2 slices of cheese on each, and continue cooking until the patties are just slightly pink in the center for medium and the cheese is melted, about 4 minutes more.
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13
Transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm.
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14
Wipe out the pan with paper towels, add the reserved bacon fat, and cook the remaining 2 patties.
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15
When all of the burgers are ready, place a patty on each bun bottom, top with 4 of the bacon pieces, garnish as desired, and cover with a bun top.
