Hey there, burger lovers! If you’re looking for a delightful and quick dinner that your family will absolutely love, look no further than these amazing Crack Burgers. Seriously, they come together in about 30 minutes and are made all in one bowl, which means minimal cleanup. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you feel like you’ve got a million things to juggle! And the best part? You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have in the fridge, making this a go-to recipe for using up those odds and ends. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients Breakdown
1 ½ lb Ground Chuck
Ground chuck is my go-to for burgers because it has a perfect fat-to-meat ratio about 80/20 which keeps our Crack Burgers juicy and flavorful. You want that delicious, flavorful bite without it being too greasy. If you don’t have ground chuck, you can use ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Just keep in mind turkey may yield a slightly drier burger, so perhaps add a little olive oil to the mix!
3 Tbsp Sour Cream
Sour cream? You bet! It adds creaminess without being overpowering. Seriously, it’s a game-changer in burgers. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt will work well and give you that creamy texture. Also, if you prefer a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based sour cream or yogurt.
2 Tbsp Ranch Dressing Mix
This is where the magic happens! The ranch dressing mix kicks things up a notch, adding tons of flavor with just a couple tablespoons. You can use homemade ranch seasoning too if you prefer. Honestly? The secret is in the herbs and spices. You could totally switch it up and use taco seasoning for a different twist!
⅓ Cup Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
Bacon, the beloved hero in the culinary world! Crumbled bacon not only adds a smoky flavor but also enhances the overall texture of the burger. Use freshly cooked bacon for the best taste, but feel free to use pre-cooked bacon if you’re in a hurry. If you need to skip bacon altogether, you can use a smoky seasoning to add that depth.
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is always a classic choice for burgers. It melts beautifully and adds that ooey-gooey factor we all crave. I prefer sharp cheddar for that extra zing, but use whatever you have on hand Monterey Jack or even pepper jack can add a little kick!
Hamburger Buns
You can’t have a great burger without a bun, right? Go for your favorite hamburger buns, soft and fluffy is the way to go for me! But, if you’re feeling adventurous, try brioche or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Lettuce, Tomato, Mustard, Mayo (for topping)
Now, here’s where you can get creative! Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes are classic toppings, and I personally love a dollop of mustard and mayo on mine. But listen, don’t be afraid to throw on some pickles, onions, or avocado. It’s your burger, make it the way you like!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Making these Crack Burgers is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how I usually do it:
Mix the Ingredients (5 minutes)
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the fun begins! Mix this all until just combined, don’t overdo it! If you overmix, you’ll end up with tough burgers. Your hands or a sturdy spoon will do the trick. Just enough until everything is evenly distributed.Form the Patties (10 minutes)
Now, you want to shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized hamburger patties. Try to make them uniform in thickness for even cooking, okay? A small trick I use is to press a little dimple into the center of each patty. This prevents them from puffing up when they’re grilling! If your hands get sticky during this process, just wet them with a little cold water.Grill Those Patties! (10-15 minutes)
Whether you’re using a grill pan, an outdoor grill, or a skillet on the stove, heat it to medium. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping them carefully. I can’t stress this enough, don’t press down! We want to keep those flavorful juices in! Use a meat thermometer to check if they’re done; you’re aiming for 160°F for well-done, or 140-145°F for medium. Once they’re done, let them rest for a few minutes, this keeps them juicy.Build Your Burger (2 minutes)
Time to assemble! I like to toast my buns lightly while the patties rest. Stack your beautifully grilled patty on a bun and load it up with your chosen toppings lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo… the sky’s the limit!
And voila! You’ve got yourself some crispy, delicious Crack Burgers that are going to be the star of your weeknight dinners. I could seriously eat these every day of the week!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting but quick, perfect for those hectic evenings! I’m a real sucker for burgers, and these Crack Burgers are a family favorite. The best part is that even my picky kids gobble them up, and I love that I can switch it up based on what’s in the fridge. Seriously, it’s so versatile that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Who doesn’t love a recipe like that?
If you loved these Crack Burgers, be sure to check out my Korean Beef Gluten-free, my Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, or my Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These Crack Burgers come together in under 30 minutes. You can prep, mix, grill, and assemble all while listening to your favorite cooking playlist. Seriously, it’s a breeze!
Customizable
The fun part about these burgers? You can mix it up! Don’t have cheddar? Use Swiss or gouda! Out of ranch mix? Toss some Italian seasoning in there. You truly can make them YOUR way!
Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s family dinner or a weekend barbecue, these Crack Burgers are sure to impress everyone at the table. The secret to a delicious burger is in the flavor combinations, and this recipe is loaded with tons of flavor.
Comfort Food
What’s better than a juicy burger? It just screams comfort food; you’ll be transported back to summer barbecues and picnics. And who doesn’t want to relive those memories in the middle of winter?
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
These burgers are fantastic on their own, but you can pair them with some crispy homemade French fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some classic coleslaw for a hearty meal.
Storage
Leftovers? Not likely (because they’re that good!), but if there are extras I’d be surprised, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat those babies in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to eat again.
Freezer Friendly
You can absolutely freeze the raw patties and grill them fresh later! Just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer, don’t forget to label them.
Okay! That’s about it for this fun family meal. I can’t wait for you to try these Crack Burgers and feel the joy of sharing home-cooked goodness! And remember, cooking should be fun, and you can make it special every time with just a little creativity. Enjoy! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips
Crack Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized hamburger patties, pressing a dimple into the center of each to prevent puffing.
- Heat grill to medium and cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until done. Aim for 160°F for well-done.
- Toast buns lightly and assemble burgers with chosen toppings.