There’s something magical about the smell of burgers sizzling on the grill, filling the air with a promise of deliciousness. I remember the first time I made Crack Burgers; it was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and my friends gathered around, anticipating a tasty meal. As I prepared the patties, the combination of ground beef, ranch dressing, and crumbled bacon filled the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Each bite was an explosion of flavors, and we all agreed this would be our new favorite burger recipe. These burgers stand out because they’re not just about the beef; the mix of creamy sour cream, zesty ranch, and smoky bacon elevates everyday burgers into something special. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear at gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
These Crack Burgers are a game-changer for any barbecue or family meal. They’re easy to prepare and packed with flavor from simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make. Plus, the juicy texture from the added bacon and cheese means these burgers will impress your guests and satisfy everyone’s appetite.
How to Make Crack Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground chuck
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mustard
- Mayo (for topping)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until well combined but don’t overmix.
- Form the mixture into 6 hamburger patties, making them the same size and thickness. Press a small dimple in the center of each to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing.
- Grill the patties to your desired doneness over medium heat. Flip them carefully to keep them intact and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done). Avoid pressing down on them while grilling.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep them juicy.
- Serve the burgers on your favorite hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo, or add any other toppings you like.
How to Serve Crack Burgers
Serve these delicious burgers hot off the grill. You can set up a toppings bar with lettuce, tomato, different sauces, and maybe some grilled onions or avocado. This way, everyone can customize their burger just the way they like it.
How to Store Crack Burgers
If you have leftovers, you can store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked burgers. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop to keep them juicy.
Tips to Make Crack Burgers
- Make sure not to overmix the meat while preparing the patties, or they may turn out tough.
- Use cold water on your hands while forming patties to keep the meat from sticking.
- Preheat your grill or skillet before adding the patties for better searing.
- Let the burgers rest after cooking to keep them juicy.
Variation
You can easily customize these Crack Burgers. Try adding some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack. You could even add a handful of spinach or finely chopped bell peppers for a fresh twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger mixture in advance and shape the patties. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can work well, but you may want to add a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.
3. What can I do if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?
You can make a simple mix using dried herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Now you’re ready to make Crack Burgers that everyone will love! Enjoy the cooking and the compliments you’ll receive.
Crack Burgers
Ingredients
Burger Mixture
- 1.5 lb ground chuck Use ground beef for best flavor.
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon Adds smokiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- Hamburger buns Choose your favorite type.
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mustard
- Mayo (for topping)
Method
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until well combined but don’t overmix.
- Form the mixture into 6 hamburger patties, making them the same size and thickness. Press a small dimple in the center of each to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing.
Cooking
- Grill the patties to your desired doneness over medium heat. Flip them carefully to keep them intact and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done). Avoid pressing down on them while grilling.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep them juicy.
Serving
- Serve the burgers on your favorite hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo, or add any other toppings you like.