Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 hamburger buns, preferably brioche or potato buns
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 leaves of crisp romaine lettuce or butter lettuce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking onions)
- Optional substitutions: Use turkey bacon or veggie bacon for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option; swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different cheese twist.
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and set aside. This step always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of sizzling bacon meant family was about to gather around the table.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the sliced red onions over medium-low heat until caramelized and soft, around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. This slow cooking brings out a sweetness that balances the rich flavors of the burger.
- While the onions cook, divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently shape each into a patty, slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage. Season both sides with salt and pepper. I always remind my daughters not to overwork the meat, as that can make the patties tough.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the meat reaches your preferred doneness.
- Meanwhile, toast the buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster oven until golden. This adds a lovely crunch and prevents sogginess from the ranch and tomato.
- To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of ranch dressing on both the top and bottom buns. Place the lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then the cheeseburger patty, followed by caramelized onions, tomato slices, and finally the crispy bacon strips.
- Cap the burger with the top bun and serve immediately. Watching my daughters take that first bite always brings a smile to my face—it’s the little moments like these that make cooking so rewarding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
