Juicy Ranch Burgers with Bacon

Juicy Ranch Burgers with Bacon pack so much flavor into every bite you may never settle for plain burgers again. Mixing ranch seasoning and creamy sour cream into the patties keeps them incredibly tender while crispy bacon and melty cheddar bring the burger shop energy to your kitchen. These are always a hit when I want something fast and craveable that feels a little extra special after a long day.

After trying these at a backyard BBQ last summer my family started insisting I make them on burger night and I have not looked back I even use the ranch mix tip for turkey burgers now too

Ingredients

• Ground chuck: With an eighty twenty mix brings perfect juicy texture and deep beef flavor Always look for meat that is bright red and formed in loose packs for best results
• Sour cream: Helps lock in moisture and brings a subtle tang to balance the richness Use a full fat version for maximum tenderness
• Dry ranch dressing mix: Delivers salty herby zip Look for a good quality brand without too many fillers
• Cooked crumbled bacon: Gives smokiness and crunch Thick-cut bacon works best since it stands up to grilling
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts nicely and has a bolder taste than mild cheddar Go for a block and shred it fresh for best melt
• Burger buns: Are your blank canvas Choose sturdy buns that toast up well like brioche or potato rolls
• Optional toppings: Like crisp lettuce juicy tomato and zippy pickles add freshness and balance Choose produce that feels heavy for its size and is deeply colored

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Burger Mixture:

Add ground chuck sour cream ranch dressing mix crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar to a large bowl Use clean hands to gently combine until you see the ingredients evenly distributed but do not overwork or your burgers might get dense

Shape and Dimple the Patties:

Split the mixture into six even pieces Shape each into a patty about three quarters of an inch thick then gently press your thumb in the center to form a shallow dimple This will help the patties stay flat as they cook

Grill or Pan Sear the Burgers:

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium high heat until a drop of water sizzles on contact Arrange patties dimple side up Cook for four to six minutes per side turning once with a spatula Do not press down on the patties Let them cook until your desired doneness one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit for well done

Rest the Burgers:

Transfer cooked patties to a plate Tent loosely with foil Let them rest for five minutes so the juices settle inside each burger

Build and Serve:

Toast the buns on the grill for a minute Slice and prep any toppings Layer the juicy burgers onto buns with lettuce tomato pickles onion mustard or mayo or any combo you love Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite

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One of my favorite parts is biting into the tiny crispy bacon bits hidden in each burger Every Fourth of July we laugh about how quickly these disappear and have a running family bet about who can eat the most

Storage Tips

Leftover cooked burgers keep well in the fridge in airtight containers for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet covered over low heat or wrap in foil in a low oven so those juices stay locked in Avoid microwaving if you can since it can dry them out Patties can also be frozen uncooked separated by parchment for up to a month just thaw completely before cooking

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to skip beef ground turkey or pork work nicely Add an extra spoonful of sour cream to keep things moist For a lighter flavor trade cheddar for Swiss or mozzarella Plant based cheese and meat alternatives can be swapped in just follow the same mixing and cooking steps

Serving Suggestions

Round out your Ranch Burgers meal with homemade fries sweet potato wedges or a quick crunchy slaw These burgers also taste great with grilled corn on the side or a big dill pickle spear Drizzle with buffalo sauce or extra ranch to play up those flavors and consider topping with avocado slices on extra sunny days

Burger History Meets Ranch Flavor

Classic American burgers have always been a canvas for bold toppings Layering in ranch dressing mix and bacon is a nod to the creative energy of diner cooks mixing in their favorite ingredients The ranch flavor joined the burger mainstream in the nineties and somehow makes each bite feel nostalgic and new all at once

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the burgers juicy?

Mixing sour cream into the beef helps lock in moisture, and avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender and juicy.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese are great alternatives to cheddar and add new layers of flavor.

→ What is the best bacon to use?

Crispy, thick-cut bacon is ideal. Make sure to cook and crumble it before adding to the beef mixture for even flavor.

→ How do I cook these burgers indoors?

Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook as directed, flipping once for best results.

→ What toppings go well with these burgers?

Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, and mayo complement the ranch and bacon flavors beautifully.