Crack Burgers

$To make Crack Burgers, you need some key ingredients. These will give your burgers that amazing flavor and texture. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb ground beef (80/20) - 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder - 1/2 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese - 4 hamburger buns - 1 cup lettuce, shredded - 1 ripe tomato, sliced - 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced - Ketchup and mustard, for serving Using 80/20 ground beef is perfect. It gives just the right amount of fat. You want juicy burgers, not dry ones. The garlic and onion powder add nice flavors. Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce add depth too. You can customize your Crack Burgers with optional toppings. Here are some tasty ideas: - Avocado slices - Crispy bacon strips - Sautéed mushrooms - Grilled onions - Spicy jalapeños - Barbecue sauce Feel free to mix and match! You can create a burger that fits your taste. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some must-haves for making Crack Burgers: - Large mixing bowl - Grill or skillet - Spatula - Meat thermometer - Burger press (optional) These tools help ensure your burgers cook evenly and turn out great. A meat thermometer is useful for checking doneness. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the patties, start with 1 pound of ground beef. I use 80/20 beef for the best taste and texture. In a large bowl, mix this beef with half a tablespoon of garlic powder and onion powder. Add one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Use your hands to mix gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat. This helps keep the patties tender. Next, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty. Make a small indent in the center with your thumb. This step helps the burger cook evenly and keeps it from puffing up. You can cook your Crack Burgers on a grill or in a pan. If you choose to grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. For pan-frying, heat your skillet until it’s hot. Add the patties once ready. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side. You want a nice sear to form. After that, flip the patties. Place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The cheese should melt nicely, and the patties should reach your desired doneness. While the patties cook, toast your burger buns. Place them cut-side down on the grill or skillet for the last minute of cooking. Toast until they are golden brown. Now, it’s time to assemble! On the bottom half of each bun, spread ketchup and mustard. Place the cheesy patty on top. Then add shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, and a few pickle slices. Finally, place the top half of the bun on your burger. Press down gently to hold everything together. Serve your Crack Burgers warm and enjoy! For the best Crack Burgers, focus on size and thickness. Make each patty about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Use your hands to shape them gently. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers. Aim for 4 equal portions from the ground beef. Seasoning is key to flavor. Use garlic powder and onion powder for a savory kick. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Don't forget Dijon mustard and soy sauce for added zest. Always taste your meat mixture before shaping patties. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to match your taste. Cooking burgers correctly enhances flavor and texture. The USDA suggests cooking ground beef to 160°F for safety. For a medium burger, aim for 140°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cooking times vary; usually, 3-4 minutes per side works well. Remember, melted cheese adds a rich finish. Enjoy experimenting with different doneness levels to find your favorite! Pro Tips Choose the Right Beef: For juicy and flavorful burgers, opt for ground beef with a fat content of at least 20%. This ensures a richer taste and prevents the patties from drying out during cooking. Form Patties Carefully: Avoid overworking the meat when mixing ingredients. Gently combine the mixture to keep the patties tender and juicy. Pressing a thumb indentation in the center helps prevent puffing while cooking. Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the patties to sear properly on each side for a flavorful crust. Resist the urge to flip them too early; this will enhance the overall texture and taste. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Adding avocado, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms can take your Crack Burgers to the next level. {{image_4}} You can change up your Crack Burgers by adding fun flavors. Here are some ideas: - BBQ Crack Burger: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef. Top with onion rings for crunch. - Mushroom Swiss Burger: Sauté mushrooms in butter. Add Swiss cheese on top for a rich taste. - Spicy Jalapeño Burger: Mix diced jalapeños into the meat. Add pepper jack cheese for heat. - Mediterranean Burger: Use feta cheese and olives. Top with tzatziki sauce for a fresh twist. If you have dietary needs, you can swap ingredients easily. Here are some options: - Lean Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier burger. - Gluten-Free Buns: Choose gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps instead of regular buns. - Dairy-Free Cheese: Try vegan cheese if you're lactose intolerant. - Plant-Based Patties: Use a plant-based burger for a meat-free meal. Pair your Crack Burgers with tasty sides. Here are some suggestions: - Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, they add a nice contrast. - Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw can balance the burger's richness. - Onion Rings: Golden and crispy, they are always a hit. - Salad: A fresh salad can add lightness to your meal. These variations and sides can make your Crack Burger experience fun and tasty! After enjoying your Crack Burgers, you might have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps the burgers fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to separate the patties from the buns and toppings. This helps keep everything from getting soggy. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. Use the oven for the best taste. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in, and heat for about 10 minutes. If you want the buns warm, place them in the oven for the last few minutes. This method keeps the burgers juicy and tasty. If you want to save your Crack Burgers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze the patties for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can enjoy your delicious burgers anytime! A Crack Burger stands out because of its bold flavors and juicy texture. The mix of beef, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard makes each bite exciting. The secret is in the blend of ingredients. You want them to complement each other. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness that makes you crave more. This combination makes them hard to resist, hence the name "Crack Burger." Yes, you can use ground turkey! It will give a lighter taste. However, turkey is leaner than beef. This means it may not be as juicy. To avoid dry patties, add some olive oil or a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the burgers moist and flavorful. Season your turkey mix just like the beef for the best taste. To add heat to your Crack Burgers, try several options. You can mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meat. Another great idea is to sprinkle cayenne pepper into the patty mix. For an extra kick, top your burger with spicy pickles or pepper jack cheese. These small changes can make your burger pack a punch! We explored how to make delicious Crack Burgers, from key ingredients to cooking methods. We covered tips for shaping patties and enhancing flavor. Several tasty variations and side dishes were shared to elevate your meal. Lastly, I shared smart storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, the right blend of ingredients and techniques makes these burgers special. Enjoy creating your own version, and share the joy with others!$

Deliciously juicy burgers with a blend of flavors and topped with cheese.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
0.5 tablespoon garlic powder
0.5 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 ripe tomato, sliced
0.5 cup dill pickles, sliced
for serving Ketchup and mustard

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, pressing a slight indentation in the center.
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip, top with cheddar cheese, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted.
During the last minute of cooking, toast the burger buns cut-side down until lightly golden.
On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread ketchup and mustard. Place the patty on top, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Cap with the top half of the bun.
Serve the Crack Burgers immediately while warm, with extra toppings or dipping sauces if desired.

Notes

Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.

Keyword burgers, cheddar cheese, grilling