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Crack Burgers

Crack burgers are juicy, bacon-stuffed beef patties loaded with melted cheddar and ranch seasoning, then finished with toasted buns and fresh toppings. The cheddar melts on the grill in the last minute for a gooey, cross-section finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 820
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crack burger patties
  • 1.5 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended for juiciness.
  • 1 ranch seasoning mix Use the full packet.
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese Shredded and divided from the sliced cheddar.
  • 6 bacon Cooked and crumbled.
Burger build
  • 4 hamburger buns For toasting on the grill.
  • 4 cheddar cheese Slices for topping in the last minute.
  • ranch dressing For topping, to taste.
  • lettuce For serving.
  • tomato For serving.
  • onion For serving.

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the patties
  1. Mix ground beef with ranch seasoning mix, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon until just combined, keeping the texture slightly loose for juiciness.
  2. Form into 4 equal patties and make a slight indentation in the center of each so the burgers cook up flat.
Grill the burgers
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side for medium doneness, flipping once when they release cleanly.
  3. Top each patty with a slice of cheddar in the last minute of grilling and close the lid to melt the cheese.
  4. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for 1 minute until lightly charred.
Assemble
  1. Assemble burgers with ranch dressing, lettuce, tomato, and onion on the toasted buns.

Notes

For best melt and juiciness, don’t overmix the beef—combine just until the seasonings and bacon are evenly distributed. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat on a skillet or grill over medium heat. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the patties. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheddar and a low-fat ranch dressing (taste will be milder but still works).