Marinated Bacon Ranch Cheeseburgers

1. Divide the meat into 4 portions of equal size.
2. Handle the meat gently and mold them into 4 patties, each ¾ inch thick. (Any thicker and the middles won’t sufficiently cook per the cooking times/temperatures below.)
3. Use your thumb to create deep indentations in the middle of each one.
4. Place the burger patties on a plate and generously drizzle Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing over them. Use your hands to evenly coat each burger. (Yes, it’s a little messy.)
5. Cover the plate with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerated for 15-30 minutes prior to cooking.

Grilling

1. Heat the grill to medium-high and close the lid for 5 minutes.
2. Add the burger patties to the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown and slightly charred.
3. Use a spatula to flip the patties. Heat for 4 minutes for medium-rare. Increase by a minute or two for medium/medium-well burgers.
4. Top the burgers with cheese during the last minute of cooking and close the lid to allow the cheese to melt.
5. Remove the burgers from the grill and place onto a fresh bun. Top with bacon and desired toppings and serve!
6. Note: You may choose to cook your bacon on the grill as well.

Stove Top

1. *A Cast Iron Skillet should be used if possible.
2. It’s preferable that you cook the bacon in the same pan that you’re using for the burgers and leave the drippings in the pan to cook the burgers in.
3. (Otherwise, add 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil to the pan over medium-high heat.)
4. Add the burgers to the preheated pan; ensure there’s enough room around each so that they’re not touching. (Otherwise, cook in batches.)
5. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side, until the bottoms are golden brown and slightly charred.
6. Use a thin spatula to flip the patty. Heat for 4 minutes for medium-rare. Increase by a minute or two for medium/medium-well burgers.
7. Add the cheese during the last minute of cooking and place a lid on top to allow the cheese to melt. (A large plate works as well.)
8. Remove the burger from the pan and place onto a fresh bun. You may choose to toast the inside of the bun in the pan with the bacon drippings or butter as well.
9. Top with bacon and additional burger toppings and enjoy!