Description
These crack burgers are juicy, savory, and packed with flavor thanks to a special seasoning blend, melty cheese, and a tangy crack sauce. Perfect for grilling season, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any cookout or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra kick)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 6 burger buns (brioche or potato buns preferred)
- Butter, for toasting buns (optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles (dill or bread & butter)
- Red onion rings (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and gently shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates well.
- Place patties on the grill over direct heat. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Do not press down on the burgers.
- While burgers cook, brush the cut sides of the buns with butter and toast them on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper to make the crack sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- To assemble, spread crack sauce on each toasted bun. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion as desired. Place the grilled patty on the bottom bun, add toppings, and finish with the top bun.
- Let burgers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for juicy burgers. Don’t overmix the meat to keep patties tender. Make a thumbprint in each patty to prevent puffing. Add cheese during the last minute of grilling for perfect melt. Let burgers rest before serving to keep them juicy. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free diets. Patties can be made ahead and frozen raw or cooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (patty with bun and toppings)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 1100
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crack burgers, grilled burgers, homemade hamburgers, easy burger recipe, summer grilling, ranch burger, cheddar burger, bacon burger, cookout, family dinner