If there’s one thing Americans agree on, it’s that burgers are the ultimate comfort food. But let me introduce you to something that takes this classic up a notch: Crack Burgers. These juicy grilled burgers are loaded with ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese—all mixed right into the patty. The result? A ranch bacon burger that’s so irresistible, you’ll understand exactly how it got its name.
Perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even game day spreads, this easy burger recipe will earn you instant hero status in your household. Forget plain patties—these cheesy burgers are packed with flavor in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love Crack Burgers
- Flavor-packed: Ranch, bacon, and cheddar baked right into the beef.
- Juicy every time: A touch of sour cream keeps patties moist.
- Crowd-pleaser: Adults and kids will devour these without hesitation.
- Easy prep: Just mix, shape, grill, and serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
- 6 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayonnaise (optional toppings)
How to Make It
- In a large bowl, mix ground chuck, sour cream, ranch mix, bacon, and cheddar until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide into 6 equal portions. Shape into patties with a small dimple in the center.
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook patties to desired doneness:
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 140–145°F
- Well-done: 160°F
Flip once—don’t press down or you’ll lose juices.
- Let patties rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Toast buns, then assemble with toppings of choice.
Tips for the Best Crack Burgers
- Cheese swap: Pepper jack or smoked gouda add a fun twist.
- Crispier bacon hack: Cook bacon in the oven for evenly crunchy bits.
- Keep it juicy: Don’t press burgers while cooking—let the grill do the work.
- Extra flavor: Brush buns with garlic butter before toasting.
My Personal Take on This Dish
The first time I made Crack Burgers, I served them at a summer cookout. By the time I turned around for seconds, the platter was gone. My family now requests these at nearly every gathering, and I love how the ranch seasoning and bacon bits make me look like a grilling genius without extra effort. It’s safe to say these burgers are now our go-to when we want something beyond the ordinary.
What to Serve with Crack Burgers
- Classic fries: Curly fries or sweet potato fries are a perfect match.
- Fresh salad: A simple coleslaw or garden salad balances the richness.
- Fun sides: Onion rings, grilled corn, or baked beans work beautifully.
- Refreshing drinks: Lemonade or a cold beer keeps things casual and fun.
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or oven to keep them juicy.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties (with parchment between layers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
Pro tip: Always store buns separately so they don’t get soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but keep in mind turkey is leaner—add an extra tablespoon of sour cream for moisture.
Do I have to grill them?
Not at all! These cook beautifully in a skillet or grill pan indoors.
Can I prep the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely. Shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
What toppings go best with Crack Burgers?
Lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, or even avocado—there’s no wrong way.
Crack Burgers aren’t just burgers—they’re the ultimate upgrade to a classic favorite. With every bite bursting with ranch, bacon, and cheddar goodness, they’re destined to become your new grilling obsession. So fire up the grill, gather your toppings, and get ready to meet the burger that will change your cookout game forever.
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Crack Burgers
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers 1x
Description
These Crack Burgers take classic burgers to the next level with ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese mixed right into the beef patties. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these cheesy ranch bacon burgers are perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or game day spreads. One bite and you’ll understand how they got their addictive name!
Ingredients
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1 ½ lb ground chuck
-
3 tbsp sour cream
-
2 tbsp ranch dressing mix
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⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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6 hamburger buns
-
Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayonnaise (optional toppings)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, gently mix ground chuck, sour cream, ranch mix, bacon, and cheddar until just combined.
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Divide into 6 equal portions and shape into patties with a small dimple in the center.
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Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook patties to desired doneness, flipping once:
-
Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
-
Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
-
Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
Avoid pressing down on patties to retain juices.
-
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Rest patties 2–3 minutes before serving.
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Toast buns, then assemble burgers with toppings of choice.
Notes
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a flavor twist.
For extra-crispy bacon, bake it in the oven instead of frying.
Brushing buns with garlic butter before toasting adds richness.
Shape patties ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Burgers
- Method: Grill or stovetop skillet
- Cuisine: American