Why Make This Recipe
Crack Burgers are the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. With juicy ground chuck and delicious additions like sour cream, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon, these burgers bring a unique twist to the classic burger experience. They are easy to make and a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard BBQ. Plus, who can resist melty cheese and all the toppings?
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. Mix until well combined. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Beginner Note: Don’t overmix the meat, as this can result in tough burgers. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the mixture into 6 hamburger patties. To ensure even cooking, try to make the patties the same size and thickness. Use a burger press or the lid of a container to help shape the patties. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty before grilling. This will help prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle. Beginner Note: Wet your hands with cold water before forming the patties to prevent the meat from sticking. Make sure the patties are not too thick, or they will take longer to cook.
Grill the patties to your desired doneness, being careful as the burgers will be very moist. Use a grill pan, outdoor grill, or even a skillet on the stovetop. Cook the burgers over medium heat. Flip them carefully to avoid breaking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare burgers, cook to 130-135°F. For medium burgers, cook to 140-145°F. For well-done burgers, cook to 160°F. Beginner Note: Don’t press down on the patties while they are grilling, as this will release the juices and make the burgers dry. Preheat the grill or skillet before adding the patties. Use a timer to ensure even cooking.
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the burgers on your favorite hamburger buns, topped with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo. You can add other toppings, such as pickles, onions, avocado, or your favorite condiments. Beginner Note: Toast the buns for a crispier texture. Consider using a variety of toppings to create a unique burger experience.
How to Serve Crack Burgers
To serve Crack Burgers, simply place each patty on a toasted hamburger bun. Add fresh lettuce and sliced tomatoes for crunch and flavor. Spread mustard and mayo on the bun for extra taste. Feel free to get creative with toppings based on your preference!
How to Store Crack Burgers
If you have leftover Crack Burgers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the cooked patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply grill or pan-fry until warmed through.
Tips to Make Crack Burgers
- Make sure your ground chuck has a good fat content (around 80/20) for juicy burgers.
- Do not press down on the patties while they cook.
- Adding a pinch of salt and pepper before grilling can enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses or toppings to find your favorite combination.
Variation
You can easily turn Crack Burgers into a BBQ version by adding BBQ sauce into the meat mixture or topping the finished burgers with barbecue sauce and onion rings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, but keep in mind that the burgers may be drier since turkey has less fat. Adding extra moisture with ingredients like sour cream can help.
Q: How do I know when the burgers are done?
A: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
Q: Can I make the patties ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can shape the patties and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking, or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Crack Burgers
Ingredients
Burger Mixture
- 1.5 lb ground chuck Aim for 80/20 fat content for juiciness.
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Burger Assembly
- Hamburger buns Toast for a crispier texture.
- Lettuce For crunch and flavor.
- Tomato Sliced.
- Mustard For extra taste.
- Mayo For topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 6 hamburger patties, ensuring they are the same size and thickness with a dimple in the center.
- Refrigerate patties if not cooking immediately. You can shape them ahead of time.
Cooking
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Grill the patties to your desired doneness. 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).
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling.
Serving
- Serve the burgers on toasted buns, topped with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo.
- Add other desired toppings such as pickles, onions, or avocado.