Hey y'all! If you love juicy, cheesy burgers with a punch of flavor, you're in for a real treat. Crack Burgers are packed with savory ingredients, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a hint of ranch that makes every bite downright addictive. Whether you're grilling for a summer cookout, hosting a game day bash, or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every single time. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crack Burgers Recipe
- Insanely flavorful with ranch seasoning and crispy bacon mixed right into the patties.
- Super juicy and tender thanks to the perfect blend of ground beef and cheese.
- Easy to make ahead or double up for a crowd.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and buns.
- Perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or baking—totally versatile!
Ingredients for Crack Burgers
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, extra cheese, Crack Sauce (see notes)
How to Make Crack Burgers: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, ranch seasoning, green onions, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Gently mix until just combined—don't overwork it for the juiciest burgers.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into burger patties, about ¾-inch thick.
- Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing.
Step 3: Cook the Crack Burgers
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium-well.
- If desired, add a slice of cheddar on top during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Toast your burger buns lightly for extra texture.
- Place each Crack Burger on a bun and pile on your favorite toppings and sauces.
- Serve hot and dig in!
Notes for the Best Crack Burgers
- For an extra creamy touch, whip up this Crack Sauce to drizzle on your burgers.
- Don't overmix your beef—this keeps your burgers moist and tender.
- Cook bacon ahead of time or use pre-cooked real bacon pieces for convenience (see tips for cooking bacon here).
Crack Burgers Variations
- Spicy Crack Burgers: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Chicken Crack Burgers: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.
- Keto Crack Burgers: Serve patties bun-less over a salad or wrapped in lettuce.
Required Equipment for Crack Burgers
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill or skillet
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet (if oven-baking)
Storage Instructions for Crack Burgers
- Store cooked Crack Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap patties individually and store up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Crack Burgers
- Serve with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh coleslaw (burger side ideas here).
- Pair with a cold craft beer or homemade lemonade for the perfect meal.
- Add a pickle spear and some chips for a classic touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Crack Burgers
- Let the patties rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute for maximum flavor.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Lightly butter and toast buns for a golden, crispy base—game changer! (More burger tips at Serious Eats.)
Crack Burgers FAQ
- Can I grill Crack Burgers instead of pan-searing them?
- Absolutely! Grilling over medium-high heat gives a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
- What beef is best for Crack Burgers?
- Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy burgers with the perfect fat content for flavor and moisture.
- Can I make Crack Burgers ahead of time?
- Yes—shape the patties and store in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 Crack Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for serving (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ranch seasoning mix. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 4 equal patties.
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2Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
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3During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Cover to melt the cheese.
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4While burgers cook, mix mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl to make the sauce.
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5Butter the hamburger buns and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
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6Assemble the burgers: Spread sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired, place the patty on top, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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