Can Crack Burgers be prepared ahead of time?

Yes and Crack Burgers can be shaped up to one day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.

What ground beef is best for Crack Burgers?

For juicy Crack Burgers use 80 or 85 percent lean ground beef because a little fat helps the patties stay tender during searing.

What cheese works well in Crack Burgers?

Crack Burgers work well with cheddar and pepper jack or Colby Jack because each melts smoothly while adding plenty of flavor.

Can Crack Burgers be cooked on a grill?

Yes and Crack Burgers can be cooked on a grill over medium high heat until the centers reach a safe temperature for ground beef.

Crack Burgers

Description

Crack Burgers are an easy choice when you need quick dinner ideas with big savory flavor and a simple method. Juicy beef is mixed with ranch seasoning and cheddar and bacon then seared until browned and tucked into toasted buns with a creamy sauce. This is one of the best burger recipes for a weeknight dinner or party and it can fit healthy meal planning when paired with fresh vegetables. Crisp bacon adds texture while the creamy topping keeps each bite satisfying.

Ingredients

1 pound Ground beef
2 tablespoons Dry ranch seasoning
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Real bacon pieces
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 Burger buns
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
4 leaves Lettuce leaves
1 medium tomato Tomato
12 slices Dill pickle slices

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Instructions

Slice the medium tomato into four uneven rounds and separate four lettuce leaves so the fresh toppings are ready for assembly. Keep the tomato slices slightly irregular and leave the lettuce naturally ruffled so the toppings have a casual homemade appearance.
Combine the one pound of ground beef with two tablespoons ranch seasoning and one cup cheddar and one half cup bacon pieces and one tablespoon Worcestershire sauce until everything is partially folded through the meat. Leave the mixture slightly uneven instead of compressing it into a smooth paste so visible cheese and bacon remain scattered throughout.
Divide the seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions and gently shape each portion into a thick patty with slightly rough edges. Spread the four patties apart with irregular spacing and press a shallow indentation into each center so they hold a flatter shape during cooking.
Cook all four patties until the undersides develop deep uneven browning and then flip them so the second sides brown while the cheddar melts into the beef. Shift the patties toward different areas as they cook and allow small crisp edges and irregular melted cheese spots to form naturally.
Spread one tablespoon mayonnaise over each bottom bun and add one lettuce leaf and one browned patty and one tomato slice and three pickle slices to each burger. Place the four top buns loosely over the stacks so the layers remain visible and slightly offset instead of perfectly aligned.
Transfer one finished burger to a white plate and cut it into two uneven halves so the juicy beef interior and melted cheddar and bacon pieces are clearly visible. Angle the two halves slightly apart with the lettuce and tomato and pickles naturally shifting from the cut edges for a homemade serving.

Notes

Pro Tips:

Mix the beef only until the add ins are distributed because overworking the mixture can make the finished burgers dense.
Press a shallow indentation into each patty before cooking so the centers stay flatter and the burgers cook more evenly.
Let the patties brown before flipping because moving them too early can tear the surface and prevent a flavorful crust.
Rest the cooked patties for a few minutes before assembly so the juices settle and the buns do not become overly wet.

Storage: Store leftover cooked Crack Burgers without the fresh toppings whenever possible because lettuce and tomato can become soft during refrigeration. Place the patties in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. Keep unused buns and vegetables in separate containers so their textures remain closer to fresh. Refrigerate mayonnaise and sliced tomato and lettuce promptly after serving. Reheat the patties until hot throughout and then assemble them with fresh buns and chilled toppings. Gentle reheating helps prevent the beef from becoming dry while still warming the melted cheese. For longer storage freeze the cooked patties without buns or toppings for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American