Crack Burgers

These juicy, flavorful Crack Burgers are packed with savory seasonings and cooked until perfectly browned. Serve them on toasted buns with your favorite toppings for an easy, satisfying burger night.

Ingredients

For the Burgers

1½ lbs ground beef, 80/20
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
1 tablespoon butter or oil, for cooking

Optional Toppings

Lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickles
Sliced onion
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Mustard
Burger sauce

Instructions

Season the Beef: Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than the hamburger buns, since the burgers will shrink as they cook.
Heat the Pan or Grill: Heat a cast-iron skillet, griddle, or grill over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil if needed.
Cook the Burgers: Place the patties on the hot cooking surface. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.
Add the Cheese: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger during the final minute of cooking. Cover briefly to help the cheese melt.
Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in the skillet or on the grill until golden brown.
Assemble: Place each burger on a toasted bun and add your favorite toppings and sauces.
Serve: Serve immediately with fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or your favorite burger side.

Tips

Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers.
Handle the beef gently to keep the patties tender.
Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
For food safety, ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) internally.

Servings

Makes 4 burgers.