Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 for the juiciest)
- 2 teaspoons burger seasoning (1 teaspoon per side)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced burger pickles
Ranch Fries
- 1 22-ounce bag frozen waffle fries
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons)
House Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 clove grated garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the ranch fries: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen waffle fries according to the package directions. Once baked, add the butter directly to the sheet pan and toss the fries to coat them evenly, giving them a juicy, buttery texture. Then sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the fries and toss again, adjusting the amount of seasoning depending on your taste and the quantity of fries. Set aside.
- Make the house sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic until smooth. Taste and season with salt as needed. Alternatively, use your favorite store-bought burger sauce.
- Cook the beef: Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat without any oil—it needs to be very hot to achieve a good sear. Season one side of the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. Add the beef to the skillet, seasoned side down, and let it cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a nicely browned crust as the fat renders.
- Finish the beef: Sprinkle the other teaspoon of burger seasoning over the exposed side of the beef. After a few minutes, flip the beef in large chunks, breaking it up slightly into fork-sized pieces but keeping some texture for juiciness. Cook until well browned, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the bowls: In serving bowls, layer the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced pickles. Top with the juicy browned beef crumbles and a generous helping of the ranch fries. Drizzle the house sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful burger bowls with ranch fries.
Notes
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the best sear on the beef without adding oil.
- Adjust the ranch seasoning on the fries to suit your preference for more or less tangy flavor.
- If you prefer, cook the beef in separate batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
- This recipe works well with other types of fries or even homemade fries if preferred.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American