Crack Burgers Recipe

I perfected my new grilled burger recipes using 1 lb ground beef, a blend of garlic and onion powders, and a dash of Worcestershire. The melted cheddar and crisp bacon complete this creation. I can’t wait for you to try my twist on a classic burger at your next cookout.

I’ve always been on the hunt for that burger recipe that really stands out, and these Crack Burgers hit the mark every single time. My go-to is combining 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for unbeatable flavor) with a generous tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, a dash of garlic and onion powders, and a pinch of smoked paprika.

Then I mix in a couple of tbsp of Worcestershire sauce to add that subtle tang. When it comes time to grill, I form the patties and get them sizzling until they’re nearly ready.

Right before finishing, I top them off with 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese and, if you’re like me, a layer of crispy bacon for that extra kick. Serve it all on lightly toasted burger buns with a few slices of lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.

Trust me, these burgers bring a new twist on your favorite grilled dinner classics.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love these Crack Burgers for so many reasons. First off, the seasonings really knock it out of the park for flavor. I mix up the beef so gently that it stays super tender while still packing a punch from the garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Second, the way the cheese melts over the patty is just amazing – it makes every bite ooey-gooey and satisfying. Third, I can’t get enough of the crispy bacon. Even though it’s optional, adding it takes this burger to a whole new level of yum. And lastly, the recipe is super easy to follow so it gives me the confidence to try new toppings and tweaks without stressing too much.

Man, these Crack Burgers are easily my new go-to for any cookout or just a lazy dinner. They’re loaded with a bunch of flavors that hit all the right spots – from that juicy, well-seasoned meat to the melty cheese and that extra crunch from the bacon. Plus, the recipe is laid out in a way that makes it seem like even I can pull it off without any major disasters. It’s all about keeping it simple, delicious, and totally satisfying every time I fire up the grill.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides protein and juicy flavor; its fats boost richness.
• Worcestershire sauce adds tangy, savory notes and deep umami that elevate taste.
• Sharp cheddar delivers creaminess and extra protein, melting perfectly for a rich bite.
• Burger buns offer light carbohydrates and texture contrast, holding all ingredients together.
• Crispy bacon brings smoky, salty crunch, really enhancing the overall flavor.
• Fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles add crunch, tanginess, and vitamins.
• Your go-to burger sauce can be sweet, tangy or spicy, binding flavors seamlessly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix for extra flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or your fave cheese)
• 4 burger buns (lightly toasted)
• 4 slices crispy bacon (optional but highly recommended)
• Optional: lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles
• Optional: your go-to burger sauce

How to Make this

1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat while you prepare the patties.

2. In a big bowl, gently combine 1 lb of ground beef with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.

3. Mix everything just until combined so the meat stays tender, then shape the mixture into four even patties.

4. Place your patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on how done you like your burger.

5. When flipping the patties, add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each one so it melts nicely over the top.

6. If you’re using bacon, fry 4 slices in a separate pan until they’re nice and crispy.

7. While the burgers finish cooking, lightly toast 4 burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster.

8. Once your patties are ready, lay each one onto a bun, then top with a slice of crispy bacon if you chose to add it.

9. Add your optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles along with your favorite burger sauce.

10. Serve your Crack Burgers hot and enjoy this flavor-packed meal any time you want something seriously tasty!

Equipment Needed

1. Grill or skillet – You’ll need one that can retain heat well for cooking the patties and toasting the buns.
2. Large bowl – For gently mixing together the beef and all the seasonings without overworking the meat.
3. Spatula – Essential for flipping the patties without breaking them.
4. Separate frying pan – To crisp up the bacon slices without interfering with your burger cooking.
5. Toaster or extra grill rack – For lightly toasting the burger buns until they’re just right.
6. Knife and cutting board – Handy for slicing tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and pickles for stacking on your burger.
7. Serving plate – To beautifully present your assembled Crack Burgers once everything’s cooked.

FAQ

Crack Burgers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of 1 lb of ground beef, you could try ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option even though the flavor may change a bit.
• If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or mix balsamic vinegar with a bit of anchovy paste to get a similar umami kick.
• For the smoked paprika, regular paprika with a pinch of cumin can work too if you cant find the smoked kind.
• If you dont have sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack or even mozzarella could be a cool substitute depending on your taste.

Pro Tips

1. When mixing your beef, try not to overdo it because over-mixing will make your burger tough. Use your hands lightly and gently combine the ingredients so it stays juicy.

2. Make a small dent in the middle of each patty before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stops them from puffing up weirdly during cooking.

3. Always get your grill or pan really hot before putting the patties on. This will give you a nice crisp sear and also help stop the meat from sticking.

4. Flip your burgers only once and add the cheese right after turning them. This way, the cheese melts perfectly without sliding off and you get all the flavor in one bite.