Easy Crack Burgers: Cheesy, Savory & So Delicious! (Print Version)

Whip up these Easy Crack Burgers for an unforgettable meal! Loaded with savory ranch, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, they're a family hit. Seriously good!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 - 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp onion powder

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
07 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

→ Buns & Fixings

08 - 4 brioche burger buns
09 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
10 - Lettuce leaves
11 - Tomato slices
12 - Red onion slices
13 - Pickle slices

→ Optional Extras

14 - Extra ranch dressing for dipping
15 - Jalapeño slices for a kick

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a big bowl and gently combine your ground beef with the ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Honestly, don't overmix it, okay? Overworking the meat makes for tough burgers, and we want juicy, tender Easy Crack Burgers! Just get everything incorporated without squishing it too much. You should see the seasonings evenly distributed, but the beef still looks a little loose and happy.
02 - Divide your seasoned beef into four equal portions. Gently form each into a patty, about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your burger buns, because they'll shrink a bit when they cook. I always make a small dimple in the center of each patty with my thumb. This little trick helps prevent the burgers from puffing up into a dome shape, keeping them flat and perfect for toppings. I used to skip this, and my burgers looked like meatballs, oops!
03 - In a large skillet, cook your bacon until it's beautifully crispy. This is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing! Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it up. Don't toss that bacon fat! We’re going to use a little bit of that flavor for your Easy Crack Burgers.
04 - Heat the same skillet (with a little of that glorious bacon fat still in it, if you like!) over medium-high heat. Place your patties in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your preference. You want a nice, caramelized crust forming. You'll hear that satisfying sizzle, and honestly, the smell is just divine.
05 - During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each burger patty. If your skillet has a lid, pop it on for a moment to help the cheese melt perfectly and get all gooey. If not, a little splash of water into the pan and covering it quickly can create steam for that melt. This is my favorite part, watching that cheese soften and drape over the patty!
06 - While the burgers are resting for a minute, lightly toast your brioche buns. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both sides of the toasted buns. Place a cheesy burger patty on the bottom bun, pile on that crispy crumbled bacon, and then add your fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Top with the other bun, and there you have it – your very own Easy Crack Burger, ready to devour!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the burger meat, honestly. It gets tough!
02 - You can totally prep the bacon and cheese ahead to save time.
03 - Tried turkey once; it works, but beef is the real deal here.
04 - Serve them on toasted brioche buns, it just elevates the whole thing.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - large skillet or griddle
03 - spatula
04 - paper towels

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650-750
Total Fat: 45-55g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 40-50g