I start by preheating the grill and setting up a two-zone cooking area (one side hot, one side cooler). While it heats, I prepare my sauce: mix one packet of the au jus gravy mix (with water as directed), add the optional beef tallow, bring it to a boil, then reduce to let some liquid evaporate so the sauce thickens slightly. This gives me a dipping sauce that’s rich, savory, and has body.
Next, I grate the frozen butter using a cheese grater; this helps it distribute throughout the meat without melting instantly. Then I combine ground chuck, the second packet of au jus mix, the ranch dressing mix, and the grated butter using my hands gently (don’t over-mix or patties turn dense). Once mixed, I form four patties about ¾-inch thick, adding a little kosher salt if needed.
I put the patties over direct heat and grill each side about 3-4 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness, checking with a thermometer. At the end, if using cheese, I top the burgers and move them to indirect heat, closing the lid so the cheese melts without burning the outsides. When cheese is melted, I remove them and rest for a minute while toasting buns.
After the buns are toasted, I place each patty on the bottom bun, add sliced pepperoncini peppers, optional crispy fried onions, and then top bun. I serve the hot au jus gravy on the side for dipping or drizzling. This combination of juicy burger, tangy peppers, melty cheese, and rich au jus makes each bite satisfying.