Crack Burgers with Bacon Ranch

These Crack Burgers have become my absolute favorite for relaxed cookouts or a quick weeknight treat They are juicy savory and loaded with bold flavor thanks to a genius combo of ranch seasoning crispy bacon and melty cheddar My family cannot get enough and friends always ask for the recipe

Every time I make these someone says they are the best burgers ever I first served them at a backyard barbecue and now these burgers are the most requested for any family gathering

Ingredients

• Ground chuck: Brings rich beef flavor and keeps burgers extra juicy Look for meat that is freshly ground with a bit of marbling
• Sour cream: Adds moisture softness and a bit of tang Go for fullfat if possible
• Ranch dressing mix: Packs in savory herby flavor Choose a wellbalanced mix without too much salt
• Cooked and crumbled bacon: Brings crisp smoky crunch Cook bacon until just crispy then crumble for best texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for extra richness and that classic burger taste Freshly shredded melts way better than prebagged
• Hamburger buns: Soft sturdy buns hold the burgers and all the toppings Try to use fresh buns that will not fall apart
• Lettuce tomato mustard mayo: For topping and balancing all the rich flavors Use crisp lettuce ripe tomatoes and your favorite condiments

StepbyStep Instructions

Combine the Ingredients:

Add ground chuck sour cream ranch dressing mix crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to a large bowl Mix thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon but stop as soon as everything is combined Overmixing can make the burgers tough so keep the mixing gentle until the mix is uniform

Form the Patties:

Divide the burger mixture into six equal parts Shape each into a patty about the same size and thickness Press a small dimple into the center of each patty to keep them from puffing up as they cook Wet your hands with cold water before shaping to make it easier and keep the patties from sticking

Grill the Patties:

Preheat your grill pan or skillet to medium heat Place the patties carefully and let them cook until your preferred doneness Very moist so handle with care Use a spatula to flip the patties and try not to press on them as this squeezes out the juices Check doneness using a thermometer or by touch and allow the burgers to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking

Serve:

Place the cooked patties on fresh hamburger buns Add lettuce tomato mustard and mayo or your favorite toppings Toasting the buns adds a crisp bite and keeps the burgers from getting too soggy Serve hot for maximum juiciness

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My absolute favorite part is the crispy bacon melted into the burger mix It reminds me of Sunday afternoons when the smell of bacon cooking meant extra special meals with my family These burgers always bring me back to those cozy times with everyone laughing around the dinner table

Storage Tips

Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days If you plan to freeze them cool the patties first then wrap each tightly in foil or plastic wrap The best way to reheat is gently in a skillet over low heat to keep them juicy and flavorful

Ingredient Substitutions

If ground chuck is not available ground sirloin or a mix of ground beef and pork works well For a lighter version try turkey or chicken Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or Monterey Jack cheese if you are out of cheddar For a glutenfree option swap the buns for lettuce wraps

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Serving Suggestions

These burgers go incredibly well with homemade fries or a crisp coleslaw For something lighter serve alongside grilled veggies or a big green salad Stack your burgers tall with extra toppings like avocado caramelized onions or pickles for a custom meal

Cultural Context

Burgers are a classic part of American food culture and every region puts its own spin on them This recipe belongs to the fun trend of loaded burgers where each step and ingredient adds up to way more flavor than the sum of its parts It is the kind of burger you crave after a long day or serve to make guests feel like they are getting something extra special

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes Crack Burgers juicy and flavorful?

The blend of sour cream, ranch dressing mix, bacon, and cheddar cheese mixed directly into the ground chuck adds moisture and deep flavor throughout the patties.

→ Can these burgers be cooked without a grill?

Yes, they can be pan-fried in a skillet or on a grill pan over medium heat for excellent results.

→ What temperature should the patties reach for doneness?

For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F; medium is 140-145°F; and well-done is 160°F. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

→ How do I keep the burgers from getting tough?

Mix ingredients just until combined and avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough patties.

→ Any tips for shaping perfect patties?

Form patties evenly, making a small dimple in the center to prevent bulging. Wetting your hands with cold water helps prevent sticking.

→ What are the best toppings to use?

Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, pickles, onions, and avocado all complement the rich flavors of these burgers.