Crack Burgers Recipe

Posted on May 17, 2025

Easy Crack Burger Recipe with Ranch, Bacon, and Cheddar

If you’ve never heard of Crack Burgers before, get ready for your newest weeknight obsession! These burgers are loaded with flavor — think juicy beef patties mixed with ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese — all packed into a perfectly toasted bun. They’re creamy, savory, and outrageously good. The best part? They’re super simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or whipping up a quick dinner, these burgers will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crack Burgers are the definition of comfort food! They combine the best parts of your favorite cheeseburger with the creamy, zesty flavor of ranch and the salty crunch of bacon. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough to impress guests at your next cookout. Plus, they’re totally customizable — add your favorite toppings or go bunless for a low-carb twist. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or burger fanatics, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re called Crack Burgers — they’re just that addictive.

Ingredients

These Crack Burgers come together with just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. You might already have most of these on hand! Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 deliciously loaded burgers:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
4 burger buns, toasted
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional, for topping)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Butter or oil, for the skillet or grill

Instructions

These Crack Burgers come together in just a few easy steps — perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. You can cook them on the stovetop, grill, or even in a cast iron skillet for that perfect sear.

Mix the burger base:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Mix gently until everything is just combined — don’t overwork the meat!
Form patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Press a small indent in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
Cook the burgers:
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
Toast the buns:
While the burgers cook, lightly butter and toast the buns until golden and crisp.
Assemble the burgers:
Spread a little mayo on the buns (if using), then layer the burger patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, or any of your favorite toppings.
Serve hot:
Serve immediately with fries, chips, or a fresh side salad!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty Crack Burgers, perfect for feeding a hungry family or a small group of friends. Each burger is packed with flavor and totally satisfying — no sides required (though no one’s saying no to fries!).

Here’s how the timing breaks down:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~20–25 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers

These are best served fresh and hot, but don’t worry — we’ve got tips for storing leftovers too.

Tips and Variations

Want to take your Crack Burgers to the next level? Here are a few fun twists and pro tips to make this recipe your own:

Swap the cheese: Not a cheddar fan? Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Swiss for a milder, creamy taste.
Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture or top with spicy mayo or sriracha.
Low-carb option: Skip the bun and serve in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens for a burger bowl.
Add an egg: Top each burger with a fried egg for a breakfast-style twist.
Use turkey or chicken: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Upgrade the buns: Brioche or pretzel buns add a gourmet touch!
Extra creamy: Mix a little ranch dressing into the mayo for an even richer flavor.

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem — Crack Burgers store well and reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave (about 1 minute per patty). Add a splash of water and cover if microwaving to keep them juicy.
Freeze: You can freeze the uncooked patties (separated with parchment paper) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Crack Burgers made of?
Crack Burgers are made with ground beef, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and bacon — all mixed into the patties for maximum flavor.

Why are they called “Crack” Burgers?
It’s just a fun nickname because they’re so addictive! The combo of creamy, cheesy, and salty flavors keeps you coming back for more.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well — just make sure not to overcook, as lean meats can dry out faster.

Are they spicy?
Not by default. But you can easily add heat with jalapeños, spicy cheese, or hot sauce.

Can I make these on the grill?
Absolutely. These burgers are great on a grill or griddle. Just be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can try Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and shape the patties a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

Crack Burgers are everything you want in a burger — juicy, cheesy, bacon-packed, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking indoors, these crave-worthy burgers come together in under 30 minutes and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners, backyard BBQs, or casual get-togethers, they’re a simple recipe with big-time flavor. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked — and we’re pretty sure they’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.