Crack Burgers – Juicy, Cheesy, Ranch-Infused Beef Burgers
These Crack Burgers are everything you love about a good, hearty burger — juicy, cheesy, perfectly seasoned, and ultra satisfying — all without bacon or pork products. 🍔🧀
With rich ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a boost of tangy, herby flavor from ranch seasoning and sour cream, these burgers are downright addictive. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day grilling, or backyard BBQs, and they come together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients.
The best part? You don't need bacon to achieve bold flavor. These burgers stand on their own — juicy, savory, and bursting with cheesy, ranchy goodness in every bite.
Craving more bold burger recipes? Try our Jalapeño Ranch Turkey Burgers or Cheddar-Stuffed Beef Sliders.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – to mix your beef and seasonings
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring
- Grill, griddle, or skillet – your cooking method of choice
- Measuring spoons – for seasonings
- Burger press (optional) – for evenly shaped patties
- Tongs or spatula – to flip the burgers
- Knife and cutting board – to prep toppings
- Meat thermometer (optional) – for checking doneness
Ingredients
Makes 4 large burgers or 6 medium burgers.
Burger Mix:
- 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1 teaspoon onion powder optional
- Black pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Burger buns brioche, sesame, or whole wheat
- Lettuce sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions
- Ranch dressing or mayonnaise for spreading
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Burger Blend
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and (optional) garlic/onion powder.
- Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix.
Step 2: Form Patties
- Divide the meat into 4 or 6 equal portions.
- Shape each into a patty and press a small indentation in the center (to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing).
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
- Preheat a grill, griddle, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- Internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is ideal for well-done ground beef.
Step 4: Toast the Buns (Optional)
- Toast the cut sides of the buns on the grill or skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble
- Spread ranch dressing or mayo on the bun bottoms.
- Add lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
- Top with the hot burger patty.
- Finish with the top bun and serve!
Notes
🔁 Variations
1. Spicy Crack Burgers
Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the patty mix for heat. 2. Mushroom-Swiss Ranch Burgers
Sub cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms for a rich twist. 3. Crack Burger Sliders
Form mini patties and serve on slider buns for party-ready bites. 4. Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers
Place a cube of cheese in the center of each patty before shaping — cheesy surprise inside! 5. Lettuce Wrap Burgers
Skip the bun and wrap burgers in large romaine or iceberg leaves for a low-carb version. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer:
Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or cook from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cook time. Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 60–90 seconds. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this recipe completely pork-free?
Yes, this version contains no bacon or pork products of any kind. 2. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes — swap in ground turkey or chicken, and reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes per side. 3. Do I have to use sour cream?
You can leave it out, but it adds moisture and richness to the patty. 4. What if I don't have ranch mix?
Mix together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make your own. 5. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor, but feel free to try pepper jack, gouda, or colby jack. 6. How do I keep my burgers from puffing in the center?
Make a slight dent in the center of each patty before cooking. 7. Can I bake the burgers instead?
Yes — bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. 8. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — prepare patties and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. 9. What toppings go best with these burgers?
Crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, dill pickles, red onions, and ranch mayo complement the flavors beautifully. 10. Can I serve them without buns?
Absolutely — serve over salad or in a lettuce wrap for a bun-free option. ✅ Conclusion
These Crack Burgers are the ultimate pork-free solution for juicy, flavorful burgers. With ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and a creamy texture, they deliver that addictive flavor combo that’s perfect for casual dinners or impressive cookouts. No bacon? No problem. These burgers stand on their own and prove you don’t need anything extra to make a burger unforgettable. Looking for more dinner inspiration? Cheddar Ranch Chicken Wraps Beef & Cheddar Stuffed Peppers Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli Now get that grill or skillet going — these burgers are calling your name.
1. Spicy Crack Burgers
Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the patty mix for heat. 2. Mushroom-Swiss Ranch Burgers
Sub cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms for a rich twist. 3. Crack Burger Sliders
Form mini patties and serve on slider buns for party-ready bites. 4. Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers
Place a cube of cheese in the center of each patty before shaping — cheesy surprise inside! 5. Lettuce Wrap Burgers
Skip the bun and wrap burgers in large romaine or iceberg leaves for a low-carb version. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer:
Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or cook from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cook time. Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 60–90 seconds. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this recipe completely pork-free?
Yes, this version contains no bacon or pork products of any kind. 2. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes — swap in ground turkey or chicken, and reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes per side. 3. Do I have to use sour cream?
You can leave it out, but it adds moisture and richness to the patty. 4. What if I don't have ranch mix?
Mix together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make your own. 5. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor, but feel free to try pepper jack, gouda, or colby jack. 6. How do I keep my burgers from puffing in the center?
Make a slight dent in the center of each patty before cooking. 7. Can I bake the burgers instead?
Yes — bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. 8. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — prepare patties and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. 9. What toppings go best with these burgers?
Crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, dill pickles, red onions, and ranch mayo complement the flavors beautifully. 10. Can I serve them without buns?
Absolutely — serve over salad or in a lettuce wrap for a bun-free option. ✅ Conclusion
These Crack Burgers are the ultimate pork-free solution for juicy, flavorful burgers. With ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and a creamy texture, they deliver that addictive flavor combo that’s perfect for casual dinners or impressive cookouts. No bacon? No problem. These burgers stand on their own and prove you don’t need anything extra to make a burger unforgettable. Looking for more dinner inspiration? Cheddar Ranch Chicken Wraps Beef & Cheddar Stuffed Peppers Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli Now get that grill or skillet going — these burgers are calling your name.