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Bacon Ranch Burgers stacked high on a brioche bun with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch dressing on a rustic wooden board

Bacon Ranch Burgers

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 720 kcal

Equipment

  • Gas or charcoal grill
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cast iron skillet (for bacon)
  • Tongs
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

For the Patties

  • 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef divided into 8 thin discs, 2 per burger
  • 1 oz packet dry ranch seasoning mix such as Hidden Valley Original
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, for stuffing inside patties
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Toppings & Assembly

  • 8 strips thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese for topping, optional extra melt
  • 4 brioche burger buns split and toasted on the grill
  • 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 4 leaves romaine or butter lettuce
  • 1 large tomato sliced into 4 thick rounds
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns

Instructions
 

Prep the Bacon

  • Cook thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until deeply crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Alternatively, bake on a foil-lined sheet pan at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until crispy.

Form the Stuffed Patties

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands just until combined — do not overwork the meat.
  • Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten each into a thin disc roughly 4-5 inches in diameter.
  • Place one beef disc on a clean surface. Mound 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar in the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Top with a second beef disc and firmly pinch and crimp the edges all the way around to completely seal the cheese inside. Repeat with remaining portions to form 4 stuffed patties.
  • Press a shallow thumbprint dimple into the center of each formed patty. Place patties on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before grilling.

Grill the Burgers

  • Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450-500°F. Clean the grates and oil them lightly using tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
  • Place stuffed patties on the hot grill. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep crust forms on the bottom and juices start to pool on the surface.
  • Flip patties once and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness. If adding a slice of cheddar on top, place it in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and close the grill lid briefly to melt.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness — 160°F internal temperature for fully cooked ground beef. Remove from grill and let rest on a clean plate for 2-3 minutes.

Toast the Buns & Assemble

  • While burgers rest, brush cut sides of brioche buns with butter and place cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and lightly toasted.
  • Spread ranch dressing generously on both the top and bottom bun. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, then the stuffed cheddar patty, 2 strips of crispy bacon, a tomato slice, and a few rings of red onion.
  • Drizzle an extra splash of ranch over the toppings, cap with the top bun, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Form patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. Storage: Cooked patties keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to retain moisture. Grill alternative: These patties cook beautifully on a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat indoors — use the same timing as the grill instructions.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 45gFat: 42gSodium: 1240mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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