Bacon and Ranch Cajun Baby Cheeseburgers

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried Oregano
  • Burgers
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Siracha or Tabasco
  • 2 slices pepperjack cheese, quartered (8 pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 mini hamburger buns or dinner rolls, split
  • 1/4 cup prepared Ranch dressing (My homemade recipe coming in the cookbook, yay)
  • 16 arugula leaves or lettuce of choice
  • 8 Roma tomato slices
  • 4 cooked, crisp bacon slices

Preparation

Step 1

1. Place all Cajun seasonings into a bowl, mix to combine.

2. Place beef, seasoning, hot sauce, and garlic into a large bowl and mix until just combined. I prefer to combine the beef with my hands. Form the mixture into 8 equal size patties.

3. Place oil into a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, place patties into hot skillet and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Place a quarter of cheese on top of each burger to melt.

4. Place rolls, split side down into same skillet until toasted, about 1 minute.

5. Spread dressing onto insides of warm toasted rolls. Layer bottom roll with arugula leaves, a burger, a tomato slice and a bacon slice cut in half. Close with top roll. I placed a pick inside each burger to hold them together. These babies are tall.