Crack Burgers
Hola! I’m Emma, and let me tell you—these Crack Burgers are about to become your family’s new obsession. I still remember backyard cookouts in Orlando with my dad manning the grill while the air smelled of sizzling beef and melted cheese. That first juicy bite always felt like summer in my mouth, and this recipe captures that same magic with a bold twist: creamy ranch seasoning, tender ground beef, and sharp cheddar all packed into one unforgettable burger. If you’ve been searching for the best hamburger recipes for dinner, this one delivers big flavor without fuss.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Best Season to Serve: Summer, BBQ season
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful: Ranch mix and sour cream lock in moisture so every bite is tender and mouthwatering.
- Cheesy goodness: Shredded cheddar melts right into the patties, giving you cheesy bites without needing extra slices.
- Quick and easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, these burgers are great for beginners.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner, these burgers impress without effort.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or play with variations to make them uniquely yours.
Crack Burgers
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hola! I’m Emma, and let me tell you—these Crack Burgers are about to become your family’s new obsession. I still remember backyard cookouts in Orlando with my dad manning the grill while the air smelled of sizzling beef and melted cheese. That first juicy bite always felt like summer in my mouth, and this recipe captures that same magic with a bold twist: creamy ranch seasoning, tender ground beef, and sharp cheddar all packed into one unforgettable burger. If you’ve been searching for the best hamburger recipes for dinner, this one delivers big flavor without fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground chuck
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo (for topping)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, beef crumbles, and cheddar cheese. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the meat.
2. Shape into 6 even patties, pressing a small dimple in the center to prevent puffing. Wet your hands with cold water to avoid sticking.
3. Cook on a preheated grill or skillet over medium heat. Flip carefully to avoid breaking. Cook to desired doneness: 130–135°F for medium-rare, 140–145°F for medium, or 160°F for well-done.
4. Let patties rest a few minutes before serving. Place on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo—or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Don’t press down on patties while cooking or you’ll lose the juices.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
Toasting buns prevents sogginess and adds flavor.
Resting burgers helps juices redistribute for the perfect bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground chuck
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo (for topping)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground chuck | Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest burgers with great flavor balance. |
| Sour cream | Helps bind the mixture and keeps the burgers extra moist. |
| Ranch mix | Choose a good-quality ranch packet for maximum flavor punch. |
| Beef crumbles | Pre-cook and season lightly before adding for a savory boost. |
| Cheddar cheese | Shred fresh cheddar for better melt and sharper taste. |
| Buns | Toast lightly to add crunch and prevent sogginess from toppings. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, beef crumbles, and cheddar cheese. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Form patties: Shape into 6 even patties, pressing a small dimple in the center to prevent puffing. Wet your hands with cold water to avoid sticking.
- Grill patties: Cook on a preheated grill or skillet over medium heat. Flip carefully to avoid breaking. Cook to desired doneness: 130–135°F for medium-rare, 140–145°F for medium, or 160°F for well-done.
- Rest and serve: Let patties rest a few minutes before serving. Place on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo—or your favorite toppings.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t press down on patties while cooking or you’ll lose the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
- Toasting buns prevents sogginess and adds flavor.
- Resting burgers helps juices redistribute for the perfect bite.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Cold hands method: Keep your hands cold when forming patties to prevent melting the fat.
- Indent center: Always press a thumbprint in the middle to keep patties flat.
- Rest before serving: A quick 3–5 minute rest keeps burgers juicy.
- Don’t skip sour cream: It’s the secret ingredient that guarantees tenderness.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Crack Burgers: Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Ranch Burgers: Mix in 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce with the beef mixture for smoky sweetness.
- Mushroom Swiss Crack Burgers: Swap cheddar for Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
- Turkey Crack Burgers: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter but equally flavorful option.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, wrap patties individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Cooked burgers can be refrigerated for 3 days and reheated when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Crack Burgers on toasted brioche buns for an elevated touch. Add colorful toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and creamy avocado. For gatherings, set up a DIY burger bar with toppings so everyone can customize their burger.
Pairing Ideas
Pair these burgers with classic fries or sweet potato wedges. For drinks, try a crisp lager, iced tea, or even a glass of red wine like Zinfandel that complements the rich beef flavor. A side salad or grilled corn makes the perfect fresh balance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep them moist or microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overheating to preserve juiciness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these burgers in the oven? Yes! Bake patties at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I substitute ranch mix? If you don’t have ranch mix, use onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill for a similar flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use? Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack work beautifully.
Can I make smaller sliders instead? Absolutely—just form 12 smaller patties and reduce cooking time slightly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, but add an egg to help bind since turkey is leaner.
Do I need to oil the grill? Lightly oiling prevents sticking and helps achieve grill marks.
How do I know when burgers are done? Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy instead of guessing.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Serving Size | 1 burger |
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These Crack Burgers are everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, taken up a notch with ranch seasoning, beef, and gooey cheddar. Perfect for grilling season or a quick dinner, they’re the kind of burger you’ll make again and again. Fire up the grill and taste the magic tonight!
