Ranch-Style Pork Burgers

This is my original recipe and was featured in a scaled-down version in Taste of Home's "Cooking for 2" Fall 2005 magazine.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 burgers

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 lbs ground pork
• 1 (1 ounce) package  hidden valley ranch dressing mix
• 1  tablespoon  dried onion flakes
• 1  teaspoon  course-ground pepper
• 4  slices swiss cheese
• 4  hamburger buns, split
•  lettuce leaf
•  tomatoes, sliced

Directions

1. Prepare outdoor grill - this method renders the best tasting pork burger, but I've also successfully cooked these burgers in a large, preheated skillet over medium heat.
2. In medium mixing bowl, combine pork, dressing mix, onion and pepper. Shape into 4 patties, approximately 1/2" to 3/4" in thickness. Note: I think it's best to patty burgers on the thinner side because they "shrink" when you cook them, no matter what method of cooking you use.
3. Grill burgers, uncovered, over medium heat for 7-8 minutes per side. Top each patty with a Swiss cheese slice; cover and grill just until cheese begins to melt (just a minute or two).
4. Serve on buns with lettuce and tomato, if desired.