Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger: The Printable Recipe You’ll Want to Make on Repeat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger brings together everything people love about a classic cheeseburger, while adding an irresistibly creamy ranch twist and perfectly crisp bacon. The result is a burger that is bold, juicy, and unforgettable. What makes this recipe particularly enjoyable is that it balances rich flavours without feeling heavy, thanks to the cooling tang of ranch. When I tested this recipe, I once substituted almond milk when thinning the ranch sauce slightly, and it worked remarkably well—another reminder of how flexible this recipe can be. Ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend grilling, or casual get-togethers, this burger delivers premium flavour with minimal effort. If you love burgers that burst with personality, this Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
The foundation of any great burger. It provides juiciness, structure, and depth of flavour, especially when shaped gently and not overworked.

Bacon
Crisp, smoky, and salty, bacon adds irresistible texture and enhances the savoury profile of the burger.

Cheddar cheese
Melts beautifully over hot patties, adding richness and flavour without overpowering the ranch.

Ranch dressing
Creamy, tangy, and herbaceous. It elevates the burger with its signature cool flavour.

Hamburger buns
Soft yet sturdy, the buns hold the stacked ingredients without becoming soggy.

Lettuce
Adds freshness and a crisp contrast to the juicy patty.

Tomato slices
Introduce juiciness and a slight acidity that complements the ranch and bacon.

Onion slices
Offer sharpness and a pleasant crunch, balancing the richness.

Salt and black pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavour of the beef.

Butter
Used to toast the buns, giving them a golden edge and preventing sogginess.

Directions

Start by forming the ground beef into evenly sized patties, pressing a small indentation in the centre to prevent doming during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Set a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties for several minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. When the patties are nearly finished, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one and allow it to melt gently.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a separate skillet until crisp. Transfer the strips to a paper towel to drain excess grease. Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them on the skillet or grill until golden. This step adds flavour and helps the buns hold up to the toppings.

Assemble the burgers by spreading ranch dressing onto the bottom bun. Add lettuce and tomato slices, then top with the cheesy beef patty. Layer on the bacon slices, followed by onions if using. Add a final drizzle of ranch dressing before setting the top bun in place. Serve immediately so the cheese stays perfectly melted and the buns retain their slight crunch.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Storage/reheating

Cooked patties keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store toppings and buns separately to maintain freshness. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Assembled burgers do not store well, but individual components can be prepared ahead for quick assembly. Bacon can be crisped again in a dry skillet to restore texture.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Bacon Ranch Burger

Add jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy ranch for heat.

Turkey Ranch Cheeseburger

Swap the beef for ground turkey; it pairs beautifully with ranch.

Loaded BBQ Ranch Burger

Add BBQ sauce and caramelised onions for a sweet-savory twist.

Avocado Ranch Burger

Top the burger with sliced avocado for creaminess and fresh flavour.

Ranch Bacon Mushroom Melt

Sauté mushrooms and layer them under the cheese for earthy richness.

Blue Cheese & Bacon Ranch Burger

Mix crumbled blue cheese into the patty for bold, tangy complexity.

Pretzel Bun Upgrade

Serve on pretzel buns for a gourmet texture and flavour.

Ranch Stuffed Burger

Place a spoonful of ranch between two thin patties and seal the edges before cooking for a hidden creamy centre.

Smoky Chipotle Ranch

Blend chipotle in adobo with ranch to create a smoky, spicy sauce.

Lettuce-Wrapped Low-Carb Version

Swap the bun for crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter alternative.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

Yes, store-bought ranch works well, though homemade adds extra freshness.

How do I keep burger patties juicy?

Avoid overworking the meat and cook over medium-high heat without pressing the patties.

Can I cook these burgers indoors?

Yes, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan works perfectly.

Should I use thick-cut bacon?

Thick-cut bacon adds satisfying texture, but any bacon will do.

Can I use American cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, American cheese melts beautifully and creates a classic burger flavour.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Toast them and apply the ranch dressing to the bottom bun in moderation.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What toppings pair best with ranch?

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and bacon complement it wonderfully.

Can I grill the buns?

Absolutely. Grilling adds a smoky flavour and sturdy texture.

Do I have to use butter to toast the buns?

No, but butter enhances flavour and creates a crisp golden surface.

Conclusion

This Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger blends classic comfort with a creamy, savoury twist that sets it apart from ordinary burgers. With juicy beef, melted cheese, crisp bacon, and cool ranch dressing, every bite delivers well-balanced flavour and irresistible satisfaction. Whether you prepare it on the grill or the stovetop, this recipe is dependable, customizable, and destined to become a favourite for casual dinners and backyard gatherings alike.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!