When it comes to grilling season, nothing beats a juicy burger. And if you’re looking for a burger that’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to please a crowd, then Crack Burgers are your new go-to. Combining savory ground chuck with creamy sour cream, zesty ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, this recipe is perfect for those summer cookouts or a cozy weeknight dinner. The best part? They’re as simple to make as they are utterly delicious.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Crack Burgers are special not just for their flavor but also for their fail-proof simplicity. This recipe brings together familiar ingredients in a way that creates something extraordinary. These burgers are incredibly moist, packed with flavor, and appeal to kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or even a lazy weekend feast.

"Best burger I’ve ever made! The bacon and ranch dressing add an incredible depth of flavor, and my kids keep asking for more!" – A Happy Home Cook

Preparing Crack Burgers: Your New Go-To Burger Recipe

Making these burgers is a breeze! You’ll start with a simple mixture of ingredients that come together quickly, shaping them into patties and grilling them to perfection. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a grill or stovetop skillet will do.

What You’ll Need

To make these hearty burgers, gather the following 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, and mayo (for topping)

Feel free to customize your ingredients! You can use turkey or chicken for a leaner option or swap the cheddar for your favorite cheese.

Cooking Steps

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to ensure everything is well mixed, but be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough burgers.
Form the mixture into six equally-sized patties, making sure they are not too thick to cook evenly. Press a dimple into the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up when grilled.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it if necessary.
Grill the patties for about 4–6 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperatures—130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep them juicy.

Best Way to Serve

To serve, place the Crack Burgers on your favorite toasted buns. Add fresh lettuce, tomato slices, mustard, and mayo for a classic touch. You can also think outside the box with toppings—add pickles, jalapeños, or even avocado to elevate your burger experience. Pair with crispy fries or a fresh salad to complete the meal!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare with these delightful burgers), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a microwave or skillet until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Just layer them with parchment paper, wrap tightly, and they’ll be good for about 3 months.

Expert Advice

A few tips for that perfect burger:

Don’t overhandle the meat. Mix just until combined to ensure tenderness.
Use cold water when shaping patties to minimize sticking and make handling easier.
Don’t press down on the patties while they cook. This releases juices that keep them flavorful and moist.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative! Try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the meat mixture for additional flavor. You could also incorporate spices or different dressings to change the profile of the burgers. For a healthier spin, consider using lettuce wraps instead of buns or make bite-sized sliders for gatherings.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Crack Burgers?
Expect to spend about 15 minutes on prep time, with another 10-15 minutes for cooking, depending on your grill or stovetop.
Can I substitute the ground chuck?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind, they may require different cooking times.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to grill them. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper if freezing.

Now that you know how to create these flavorful Crack Burgers, it’s time to fire up the grill and delight your taste buds!

Crack Burgers

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Omnivore

Description

Crack Burgers are juicy, flavorful burgers made with ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese, perfect for grilling season.

Ingredients

Scale

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, and mayo (for topping)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
Form the mixture into 6 equally-sized patties, making sure they are not too thick.
Press a dimple into the center of each patty.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat, lightly greasing if necessary.
Grill the patties for about 4–6 minutes on each side, checking for desired doneness with a meat thermometer.
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling.
Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo, or your choice of toppings.

Notes

Use cold water when shaping patties to minimize sticking. Don’t overhandle the meat for tenderness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: burgers, grilling, summer recipes