Dinner

Crack Burgers: Your New Go-To Burger Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Introduction

Crack Burgers are a flavorful twist on your classic cheeseburger, packed with savory bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, and creamy sour cream for extra juiciness. This recipe delivers juicy, tender patties that quickly become your new go-to for burger night.

A close-up image of a thick cooked beef patty topped with melted bright orange cheddar cheese that covers the entire surface and drips slightly down the sides. On top of the cheese, there are several pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon strips arranged randomly. Under the patty, there is a layer of fresh green leafy vegetables barely visible at the bottom edge. The whole stack rests on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ lb ground chuck
3 Tbsp sour cream
2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Hamburger buns
Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently with your hands or a sturdy spoon until ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
Step 2: Form the mixture into 6 equal hamburger patties. Make sure all patties are the same size and thickness for even cooking. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Wet your hands with cold water to reduce sticking.
Step 3: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties carefully, flipping once, until they reach your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F internal temperature; medium, 140-145°F; well-done, 160°F. Do not press down on the patties while cooking to retain juiciness.
Step 4: Let the burgers rest a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve on toasted hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

Toasting the buns adds a satisfying crunch and prevents sogginess from the juicy patties.
Add pickles, onions, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and avoid overcooking.
Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overheating as it can dry out the meat. Uncooked patties can be stored in the fridge for one day or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

A juicy beef patty sits on a bed of fresh green spinach leaves, topped with a thick layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese that drapes over the sides. On top of the cheese, several crispy reddish-brown bacon strips are scattered, adding texture and color contrast. The whole dish is set against a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors and textures of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to one day or freeze them for longer storage. Cook from thawed or fresh patties as instructed.