May Recipe of the Month! Diner-Style Smash Burgers!

This recipe is inspired by George Motz, the head chef of Hamburger America in New York City and the mastermind behind this no-frills smash burger. You can bring the tastes and smells of the diner to your kitchen—all you need is a big skillet and grill press!
Ingredients-
1.5 pounds ground beef, 90/10
8 strips bacon, cut in half
1 white onion, sliced very thinly
8 brioche hamburger buns
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
8 American cheese slices
1 tomato sliced, topping
Bib lettuce, topping
Dill pickle chips, topping


Directions-
Separate the ground beef into 3-ounce, loosely-packed meatballs. A kitchen scale will come in handy here!
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, about 5 minutes.
Add bacon to pan and cook until fat has rendered and bacon is crispy, using a round grill press to keep bacon flat and speed up the cooking process. After 5 to 7 minutes, remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
Increase the heat to medium-high and make two small piles of sliced onion, leaving plenty of room between each pile, then place the meatball over the onions. Batch your burgers two patties at a time in the pan.
Smash the burger very flat, with the parchment as a barrier between the press and the hamburger. Repeat with the other meatball, leaving plenty of room for smashing.
Cook for 2 minutes, or until you see the edges browning very nicely. Flip, add cheese, and continue to cook for 1 minute.
Remove to a bun and repeat with remaining meatballs.
Assemble burgers with your favorite burger accoutrements and aioli!