Description
Crack Burgers are juicy Cheddar Ranch BBQ burgers made with sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, and smoky BBQ sauce mixed right into the beef. These bold, cheesy burgers cook up tender and flavorful with caramelized edges, perfect for cookouts, family dinners, and game nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 brioche or hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 6–12 tomato slices
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pickles (optional)
- 6 strips crispy bacon (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick.
- Press a small indent into the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (375–400°F) or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Cook patties 4–5 minutes on the first side without pressing down.
- Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes for medium doneness, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Butter bun halves and toast cut-side down on the grill or in a pan until golden.
- Rest patties 3–5 minutes before assembling.
- Assemble burgers with toasted buns, lettuce, patty, extra BBQ sauce, tomatoes, red onion, and optional pickles and bacon. Serve hot.
Notes
- Overmixing can make burgers dense, so mix just until combined.
- Store leftover patties separately from buns and toppings for best texture.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep burgers juicy.
- Freeze uncooked patties with parchment between them for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg