Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and minced
  • 1 oz dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or thick shredded
  • 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp prepared ranch dressing
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp minced pickled jalapeños
  • 4 brioche buns, buttered
  • 1 head butter lettuce
  • 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced into rings

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, gently fold the 1.5 lbs ground beef with the minced bacon, 1 oz dry ranch seasoning, 1 cup cubed cheddar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into rounds, pressing a thumb print dimple into the center of each.
  3. Place the formed patties in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  4. Mix the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ranch dressing, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp minced jalapeños. Stir until the sauce is silky and pale orange.
  5. Spread butter on the 4 brioche buns and toast in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes until golden and crackling.
  6. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Place patties in the pan and cook for 5 minutes without moving them.
  7. Turn the patties over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the internal temp hits 160°F and the cheese is molten.
  8. Remove the burgers from the heat and let them sit on a clean plate for 3 minutes.
  9. Layer the bottom bun with sauce, butter lettuce, the burger patty, tomato, and red onion rings.