Burgers infused with all the flavors you love of ranch dressing from within and without—make these scrumptious Ranch Burgers tonight.
Thank you, America, for the gift of the miraculous creation called ranch dressing.
See, without America and Americans, like Steve Henson, a plumbing contractor, who invented ranch dressing while cooking for his hungry crew of workers in Alaska back in 1949, we wouldn’t have that beloved ranch dressing.
So, thank you Steve Henson, for without you, there wouldn’t be ranch dressing, ranch seasoning, ranch burgers, Doritos dipped in ranch, crudité with ranch (which I daresay, would have been the end of crudité), pizza dipped in ranch, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dipped in ranch, Buffalo wings dipped in ranch, or rodeo ranch-style salads dressed with ranch. So, yes. I think we owe this man a holiday, at the very least!
Mind you, it might not be a fancy, bougie French vinaigrette, but that’s because only Americans could invent a sauce this succulent yet un-bougie (I know the opposite of bougie is basic, but this is much more fun).
I dare to assert that, besides the moon landing, ranch dressing might be one of our greatest accomplishments yet.
But burgers infused with all the yumminess of ranch mix, and then topped with the delicious dressing? Well, hush my mouth—and might I request that you do that with a big, thick, oh-so-perfectly seasoned and sauced bite of a RANCH BURGER.
Just what’s so amazing about ranch burgers?
To tell you the unvarnished truth, which I always do, when I really want to indulge in my cravings, I buy a packet of that Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix and sub heavy cream for the milk. Then, I add a whole cup of my favorite mayo, Hellmann’s. Now, that’s some swoon-worthy ranch.
But most days, I reach for my favorite bottle of Ken’s Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and just drizzle that all over my burger. Because, as far as store-bought salad dressings go, I think it’s the best.
But the salad dressing on top is optional. The ranch dressing mix within is required. Because, as I have discovered, that flavor-infused, magical little packet of ranch dressing mix contains just about every spice I would put in that burger anyway — and then some.
You’ve got your saltiness coming from many directions, acidity from the buttermilk, bitterness from the herb components, and hints of umami from the garlic and onion powder in the seasoning mix. Ranch burgers. They hit all of the taste buds.
How do I store leftovers?
You can store these ranch burger patties stacked in storage bags or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the buns and toppings separately. You can also freeze these ranch burgers, sans sauce, of course, for up to 3 months. To reheat them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Serving suggestions
I love to serve these ranch burgers with some sides that really complement those ranch flavors, like these Easy Cauliflower Wings. Next, try a big helping of this cheesy, bacon-y, Easy Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Then, add this Bacon Ranch Layered Salad, to just keep this ranch theme going. For dessert, try this heavenly white, snowy Two-Layered Coconut Cake.
Ranch Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix
- 8 hamburger buns toasted
- Preferred toppings such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, or onions
- Ranch dressing for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the outdoor grill by preheating it on high heat and lightly oiling the grates.
- In a bowl, combine the beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and ranch mix. Mix well.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form each into a hamburger patty.
- Place patties on the preheated grill. Cook 5 minutes per side until burgers are no longer pink. The center should reach 160°F with a thermometer.
- Assemble burgers with a patty and your favorite toppings. If desired, spread some ranch dressing on the patty before placing other toppings on it.
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