There’s something magical about a burger that brings everyone together, right? The Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a long day. Picture this: juicy beef, crispy Doritos, and a zesty BBQ ranch sauce all smushed together in a bun, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a party in your mouth, and trust me, everyone is invited.
I remember the first time I made these bad boys for my friends during game night. The moment I pulled them off the grill, you’d think I was serving gold bars! They practically tackled me for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need some serious comfort food after an exhausting week, this smash burger is your go-to recipe. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will have you dreaming about burgers long after the last bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile boasts savory beef paired with crunchy chips and zesty ranch sauce.
- Visually, it’s an Instagram-worthy masterpiece that will impress your guests at any gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with different toppings or sides based on your cravings.
I still chuckle when I think about how my friends looked at me with wide eyes after their first bite of these burgers; it was pure joy wrapped in flavor.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Doritos: Any flavor works, but I recommend classic nacho cheese for that extra zing!
- Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite brand or homemade ranch for freshness and creaminess.
- BBQ Sauce: A smoky variety complements the burger beautifully; sweet or spicy options are also great.
- Burger Buns: Opt for sturdy buns that can hold everything together without falling apart.
- Sliced Cheese: American cheese melts perfectly into the burger but feel free to get creative with your favorites.
- Lettuce and Tomato: Fresh toppings add crunch and color; they also make you feel slightly healthier.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger
Prepare Your Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat until hot. A little sizzle never hurt anyone!
Mold the Beef Patties: Divide ground beef into equal portions (about 4-6 ounces each). Form each portion into a loose ball; do not overwork it—this isn’t weightlifting!
Sear the Patties: Place each ball on the hot grill or skillet. Smash down gently with a spatula until they’re about ¾ inch thick. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned before flipping.
Add Cheese and Toppings: After flipping, place cheese slices on top of patties and cover them for another minute until gooey perfection occurs!
Create Your Sauce: In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with BBQ sauce to create your zesty topping while waiting for those patties to finish cooking.
Assemble Your Masterpiece: Spread some ranch BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer lettuce and tomato followed by that glorious patty topped with crushed Doritos before finishing off with the top bun!
Now you have yourself one incredible Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger! Enjoy every bite as you bask in culinary glory.
Content
Tip one: Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors and a delightful aroma. I learned that the hard way when my burger tasted like cardboard because of stale spices.
Tip two: Toast the buns for an extra crunch that elevates your burger experience. Trust me, a crispy bun is worth every second!
Tip three: Let the patties rest before serving to keep them juicy and flavorful. I once served them too soon, and it was a juicy disaster!
You Must Know
- This Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger is not just a meal; it’s an explosion of flavors with every bite.
- The crunch from Doritos adds texture while the BBQ ranch sauce brings everything together beautifully.
- You’ll impress everyone at your next barbecue!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the ground beef with seasonings, then shape them into patties. Sear each side on high heat for that perfect crust, followed by a quick finish on low for juiciness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese or add jalapeños for a spicy kick. Customize toppings like avocado or pickled onions to make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through, keeping that glorious juiciness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use 80/20 ground beef for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking—let them be!
- Lastly, experiment with different cheeses; melted cheddar is heavenly but pepper jack adds a fantastic spice kick.
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of grilling in my backyard, where friends raved about these burgers and begged for second helpings. Those moments were priceless!
FAQ
What type of ground beef should I use for Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
What are some good toppings for this burger?
Try bacon, avocado, or even fried eggs for extra deliciousness!
Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with the Doritos BBQ Ranch Smash Burger. This mouth-watering creation features juicy beef patties topped with crispy Doritos and a zesty BBQ ranch sauce, all nestled in a sturdy bun. Perfect for game nights or backyard barbecues, this burger promises an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 cup crushed nacho cheese Doritos
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended)
- 4 sturdy burger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a skillet over medium-high.
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (4 oz each) and shape them into loose balls.
- Place each ball on the hot grill/skillet and smash down gently to about ¾ inch thick. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned, then flip.
- After flipping, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cover for one minute until melted.
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing and BBQ sauce to create your zesty topping.
- Assemble the burger: Spread the ranch BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun, layer with lettuce and tomato, add the patty topped with crushed Doritos, and finish with the top bun.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (200g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, toast your burger buns before assembly. Feel free to swap ranch dressing with blue cheese or add jalapeños for a spicy twist. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in a skillet to maintain juiciness.
