Crack Burgers Bacon Cheddar (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Patties

01 - 2 pounds ground beef
02 - 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
03 - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
04 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Assembly

05 - Burger buns
06 - Lettuce leaves
07 - Sliced tomato
08 - Additional desired toppings (e.g., pickles, crispy onions, avocado, or spicy mayonnaise)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are well cleaned and lightly oiled.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until ingredients are incorporated, handling the meat gently to avoid compacting.
03 - Divide the mixture evenly and shape into burger patties of uniform thickness to promote even cooking.
04 - Place patties on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, flipping once, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
05 - Transfer cooked patties to burger buns. Top each with lettuce, tomato, and preferred garnishes before serving immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
02 - Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or smoked gouda for flavor variation.
03 - If a grill is unavailable, cook burgers in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
04 - Form patties ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook for efficient meal prep.
05 - Enhance the burgers with toppings like crispy onions, sliced pickles, avocado, or a spicy mayo for additional texture and flavor.