Why You’ll Love this Ranch Cheeseburgers Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious twist on the classic burger, you’ll love this Ranch Cheeseburger recipe. I can’t get enough of the bold flavors that come together in this dish.
The combination of juicy ground beef and zesty ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Plus, the addition of fresh herbs like parsley gives it a bright kick that elevates the entire meal.
I really appreciate how easy it’s to prepare these burgers on the grill, making them perfect for summer cookouts. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy toppings.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make Ranch Cheeseburgers a regular part of your grilling repertoire!
Ingredients of Ranch Cheeseburgers
When it comes to whipping up some mouthwatering Ranch Cheeseburgers, having the right ingredients is key. Luckily, the list is pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already. I mean, who doesn’t love a good burger? They’re versatile, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Plus, with the addition of ranch dressing, these burgers have a flavor punch that’s just irresistible. So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what you’ll need to make these delightful creations.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80%)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or 4 slices American cheese
- 4 whole grain sandwich rolls, split
Now, as you gather these ingredients, keep in mind that quality matters, especially with the ground beef. You want it to be lean but still juicy, so 80% lean is a good rule of thumb.
And fresh parsley? It’s not just for garnish; it really adds a nice touch of freshness to the burgers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even swap out the ranch dressing for a spicy version or add some jalapeños for a little kick.
Just remember, cooking should be fun, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients!
How to Make Ranch Cheeseburgers
Making Ranch Cheeseburgers is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier since you won’t need to worry about a crust.
First things first, grab your mixing bowl and toss in 1 lb of lean ground beef. I like to go with at least 80% lean because we want juicy patties, not hockey pucks.
Then, add in 1/4 cup of chopped onion and 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. The parsley might seem like a small touch, but trust me, it adds a burst of flavor that makes all the difference.
Next, pour in 1/3 cup of ranch dressing and sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper. Now comes the fun part—mix it all up with your hands! Just plunge in there and get your hands dirty; it’s way more satisfying than it sounds. Don’t overwork it; just combine everything until it’s evenly distributed.
Once your mixture is ready, shape it into four patties, each about 3/4 inch thick. It’s important to make them even, so they cook uniformly.
Preheat your gas grill to a medium-high temperature. When it’s nice and hot, place those patties on the grill and close the lid. Grill them for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping only once. The best part? You’ll know they’re done when a meat thermometer reads 160°F and they’re no longer pink in the center.
Once they hit that sweet spot, lay a slice of cheddar cheese (or American if you prefer) on each patty. Let it melt for a minute—I like to think of this as the cheese getting a cozy blanket.
While that’s happening, grab your whole grain sandwich rolls and spread the remaining ranch dressing on the cut sides. Assemble those burgers, and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Ranch Cheeseburgers Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics of crafting delicious Ranch Cheeseburgers down, let’s explore some fun substitutions and variations to mix things up.
For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you want a kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.
You can easily swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or even a creamy blue cheese for a bold flavor.
Want to go meatless? A hearty black bean or chickpea patty works great!
For the buns, consider using lettuce wraps for a low-carb version or even a pretzel bun for a twist.
There are endless ways to customize these burgers to suit your taste!
What to Serve with Ranch Cheeseburgers
While you’re grilling up those tasty Ranch Cheeseburgers, consider what sides will complement their flavors perfectly.
I love serving crispy sweet potato fries alongside, as their sweetness balances the savory burger. A fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing crunch, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try classic coleslaw; its creaminess pairs well with the ranch dressing on the burgers.
For a fun twist, grilled corn on the cob sprinkled with lime and chili powder also fits the bill.
These sides not only enhance your meal but also create a delightful barbecue atmosphere that everyone can enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
When you’re ready to elevate your Ranch Cheeseburgers, keep a few handy tips in mind.
First, don’t skip the fresh herbs; they really boost the flavor. I love using parsley, but feel free to experiment with cilantro or chives.
For juicier patties, make a slight indent in the center of each burger before grilling to prevent them from puffing up.
If you’re a cheese lover, consider mixing different cheese types for added depth.
Also, toasting the buns on the grill for a minute adds a delightful crunch.
Finally, let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps the juices redistribute.
Enjoy customizing your burgers and impressing your guests!