Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 leaves of crisp iceberg lettuce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Butter, for toasting buns (about 2 tablespoons)
Substitution suggestions: If you want a lighter option, turkey or plant-based burger patties work beautifully. For ranch, feel free to use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing for a tangier, lower-fat alternative. And if cheddar isn’t your favorite, pepper jack or Swiss cheese adds a nice twist.
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. I learned this step from Mama Lou—she always said that good bacon is the cornerstone of a great burger.
- While the bacon cooks, shape the ground beef into four equal patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Season the patties generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
- Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the pan and cook for about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.
- While the patties cook, lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them on the grill pan or in a separate skillet until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading about 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing on the bottom bun, then add a lettuce leaf, a cheeseburger patty, two slices of crispy bacon, tomato slice, and red onion. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides. I love how Ouma and I would sneak bites while setting the table, making sure the burgers were just right before Mama Lou called everyone to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
