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–+ servings
Bacon Ranch Burgers stacked high with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and ranch drizzle on a wooden board

Bacon Ranch Burgers

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 720 kcal

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill or grill pan
  • Cast-iron skillet (optional)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Wide spatula
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 oz packet dry ranch seasoning mix one standard packet (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded, divided into 4 portions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 strips thick-cut bacon 2 strips per burger
  • 4 brioche burger buns split and toasted
  • 4 leaves romaine or leaf lettuce
  • 1 large tomato sliced into 4 rounds
  • ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup ranch dressing for drizzling, plus more for serving

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Alternatively, cook in the oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  • In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix with your hands just until combined — do not overwork the meat.
  • Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Flatten each portion into a thin disc roughly ¼-inch thick and 4-5 inches in diameter.
  • Place one disc on your work surface. Mound about ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese in the center, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge.
  • Place a second beef disc on top and firmly press the edges together all the way around, crimping and sealing tightly to enclose the cheese completely. Repeat to make 4 stuffed patties.
  • Press a shallow thumbprint into the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking. Refrigerate patties for 5-10 minutes while you preheat the grill.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
  • Place the stuffed patties on the hot grill. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes on the first side. Flip carefully with a wide spatula and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the second side, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted from the side into the center of the patty.
  • During the last minute of cooking, toast the split brioche buns cut-side down on the grill until golden, about 1 minute.
  • Remove patties from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  • Spread ranch dressing on the cut sides of both the top and bottom bun halves.
  • Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by the stuffed cheddar ranch patty, 2 strips of crispy bacon, a tomato slice, and red onion rings.
  • Drizzle with additional ranch dressing, cap with the top bun, and serve immediately.

Notes

Make-ahead: Form stuffed patties up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate between parchment sheets. Freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes per side. Stovetop option: Cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil for the same timing. Cover with a lid during the second half of cooking to help the cheese center melt. Cheese tip: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded — worth the extra minute of effort.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 48gFat: 44gSodium: 1240mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
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