Name: Crack Burgers: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Beef Patties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lb ground chuck; 3 tablespoons sour cream; 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix; ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

These indulgent Crack Burgers deliver an explosion of flavors with every bite, combining seasoned ground chuck with ranch mix, bacon, and cheese for a truly addictive burger experience that lives up to its name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crack Burgers aren’t your ordinary hamburgers. They’re loaded with flavor from the inside out, eliminating the need for tons of toppings. The ranch seasoning infuses the meat with zesty goodness, while the bacon and cheese create pockets of savory delight throughout each patty. They’re simple to prepare but deliver gourmet results that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a truly exceptional burger experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground chuck provides the perfect base for these burgers with its ideal 80/20 fat ratio that ensures juicy patties with excellent flavor. The fat content helps the burgers stay moist while cooking and delivers that rich, beefy taste we all love in a great burger.
Sour cream might seem unusual in a burger, but it adds incredible moisture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor profile while keeping the patties from drying out during cooking.
Ranch dressing mix is the secret weapon in these burgers, infusing the meat with herbs, spices, and that distinctive ranch flavor that makes these patties irresistible. Just one packet transforms ordinary ground beef into something special.
Turkey bacon brings a smoky, savory element to the burgers. Pre-cooking and crumbling it ensures that the bacon flavor is distributed throughout each bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese melts into pockets of gooey goodness throughout the burger as it cooks, adding richness and creating that perfect cheese pull with each bite. Sharp or mild cheddar works well, depending on your preference.

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled turkey bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
Form the mixture into four evenly sized patties, about ¾ inch thick each.
Let patties rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to help flavors meld and patties hold shape.
Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill patties, flipping only once, until desired doneness is reached—145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for well-done.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 substantial burger patties, each approximately 6 ounces before cooking. The preparation is quick and efficient, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time and about 7 minutes of cooking time, for a total of just 17 minutes from start to finish. Each burger contains approximately 680 calories, making them a hearty main course that’s perfect when paired with lighter sides.

Variations

Blue Cheese Crack Burgers: Replace the cheddar with crumbled blue cheese for a more robust, tangy flavor profile.

Spicy Crack Burgers: Add 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.

Mushroom Crack Burgers: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped, pre-sautéed mushrooms for an earthy umami boost.

BBQ Crack Burgers: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce to the meat mixture and substitute smoked gouda for the cheddar.

Mediterranean Crack Burgers: Use ground lamb instead of beef, substitute feta for cheddar, and add chopped fresh mint and oregano instead of ranch seasoning.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For uncooked patties, separate them with parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Freezing: Raw patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place shaped patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags with parchment paper between each patty. Cooked burgers can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated burgers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water to create steam. Microwave on 70% power for about 1 minute if you’re in a hurry. From frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Why are these called “Crack Burgers”?

These burgers earned their name because they’re considered addictively delicious—the combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese creates a flavor that keeps people coming back for more, much like how people describe something as “like crack” when it’s extremely enjoyable and habit-forming.

Can I cook these burgers in a pan instead of on a grill?

Absolutely! Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium, adjusting as needed for your preferred doneness.

Is it safe to eat burgers at 145°F?

The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety. The 145°F mentioned in the recipe would be considered medium-rare, which does carry some risk with ground meat. For safety, especially for young children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals, cooking to 160°F is recommended.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Place them on a plate covered with plastic wrap, or separate them with parchment paper if stacking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

What can I serve with Crack Burgers?

These flavorful burgers pair wonderfully with classic sides like french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a lower-carb option, serve them with roasted vegetables or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of buns.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with monterey jack, pepper jack for some heat, swiss, gouda, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.

Do I need to add salt to the burger mixture?

The ranch dressing mix and bacon already contain salt, so additional salt isn’t usually necessary. However, you can always add a pinch if you prefer a more heavily seasoned burger.

Can I make smaller sliders instead of full-sized burgers?

Yes! This mixture works great for sliders. Divide the meat into 8-10 smaller patties instead of 4 large ones. Reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes per side for mini burgers.

Why shouldn’t I overwork the meat when mixing?

Overworking ground beef compacts the meat too much and can make your burgers tough and dense rather than tender and juicy. Mix the ingredients just until combined for the best texture in your final burgers.

Conclusion

Crack Burgers are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. The combination of ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon mixed directly into the patties creates a depth of flavor that’s truly exceptional, while the sour cream ensures each bite remains perfectly juicy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply treating your family to a special dinner, these burgers will quickly become a requested favorite. Their straightforward preparation and impressive results make them ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned grill masters alike. Try them once, and you’ll understand exactly why they earned their addictively delicious name.