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You need 1 pound of ground beef. I suggest using 80/20 beef. This mix keeps your burgers juicy. It has enough fat to give flavor, but not too much to make them greasy. For flavor, you will add a few key spices: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste These spices add depth and a nice kick to the meat. The Worcestershire sauce adds umami, which makes the burgers taste even better. Mix these into the beef gently. Overmixing can make the burgers tough. Choose your favorite burger buns. You will need 4. Also, gather these toppings: - 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese - Fresh lettuce leaves - Ripe tomato slices - Crisp pickles The cheese melts beautifully on the burger. The fresh toppings add crunch and freshness. The bun holds everything together. For a special touch, make a sauce by mixing: - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon ketchup - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - A dash of your favorite hot sauce This sauce brings everything to life, adding creaminess and flavor. Enjoy building your burger with these tasty ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the bowl. I like using 80/20 beef for juicy burgers. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Pour in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat. This keeps the burgers tender and juicy. Now, divide the meat into four equal parts. Each part will be a burger patty. Shape each part into a round patty. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty. This step helps them cook evenly and keeps them from puffing up. Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side. You want a nice sear before flipping them over. After flipping, put a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Check that they reach your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium. While the burgers cook, toast the buns on the grill or in a pan until golden brown. Finally, assemble your burgers with sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and the cheesy patty. Enjoy your juicy crack burgers! Use ground beef that is 80/20. This mix has enough fat for juicy burgers. The fat keeps the meat moist. It also gives great flavor. If you use lean beef, your burgers might dry out. Always look for fresh meat. Cook your burgers to the right temp. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F. For medium, aim for 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures safety and taste. Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread evenly. Don't overwork the meat when mixing. This can make your burgers tough. Shape the patties gently and make a small dent in the center. This helps them cook evenly. Also, flipping the burgers too soon can cause them to stick. Wait for a good sear before flipping. Pro Tips Use the Right Fat Content: Choosing ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 ensures your burgers are juicy and flavorful. The higher fat content helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Don't Overwork the Meat: When mixing the seasonings into the ground beef, be gentle. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers. Mix just until combined for that perfect bite. Create a Dimple: Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents puffing, resulting in a more uniform shape. Toast Your Buns: Don't skip toasting the burger buns! It adds a delicious crunch and helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy when you add sauces and toppings. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese on your Juicy Crack Burgers. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture. If you love blue cheese, crumble some on top for bold flavor. Each cheese brings a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. Toppings can change your burger game. Instead of just lettuce, try arugula for a peppery bite. Add avocado slices for creaminess. Sautéed mushrooms bring a rich, savory touch. You can also use jalapeños for heat or coleslaw for crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. The special sauce is key to flavor. You can add a teaspoon of garlic powder for more zest. A splash of BBQ sauce gives it a smoky twist. Want it sweeter? Stir in a bit of honey. Each tweak makes the sauce your own, so get creative! To keep your Juicy Crack Burgers fresh, store them in the fridge. Place any leftover burgers in an airtight container. Use them within three days for the best taste. If you have extra patties, wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the fridge. You can freeze these burgers to enjoy later. Wrap each uncooked patty in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. Cooked burgers can also be frozen. Just let them cool completely first. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, take the burgers out of the fridge or freezer. If they are frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight. For cooked burgers, warm them in a skillet over medium heat. Heat for about 5-6 minutes on each side until hot. If using the microwave, place the burger on a plate and cover it. Heat it for 30-60 seconds, checking often. Enjoy your juicy burgers warm and tasty! A burger is juicy when it has a good amount of fat. I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 ratio. This means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat melts as the burger cooks, keeping it moist. Adding seasonings like garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce also helps boost the flavor. Yes, you can make these burgers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly. To check if your burgers are done, use a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare burger, the center should reach 135°F. For medium, it should be 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for juices running clear. If the juices are pink, the burger needs more time. We covered the key ingredients for great burgers, from beef to toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing, shaping, and cooking. You learned tips to choose the right beef and avoid mistakes. We explored fun variations with cheese and sauces. Finally, I explained storage and reheating to keep your burgers fresh. Make these burgers your own! Enjoy the process and share them with others.

Juicy Crack Burgers

Deliciously juicy burgers made with seasoned ground beef and topped with sharp cheddar cheese and special sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 pieces burger buns of your choice
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Ripe tomato slices
  • Crisp pickles
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • a dash your favorite hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Divide the seasoned meat into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
  • Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the burger patties on the grill surface. Cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes on one side until they develop a nice sear.
  • Flip each burger patty over and immediately place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top of each burger. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers reach your preferred level of doneness.
  • While the burgers are cooking, toast the burger buns either on the grill or in a separate pan until they are lightly golden brown and warm.
  • Assemble your burgers: Start with the bottom half of the bun and spread a generous spoonful of the special sauce on it. Add a crisp lettuce leaf, then place the cheesy burger patty on top. Follow with fresh tomato slices and tart pickles. Finally, cap it off with the top half of the bun.
  • Serve the juicy burgers hot off the grill, accompanied by your choice of sides like fries or a fresh salad.

Notes

For maximum juiciness, use ground beef with a fat content of 80/20.
Keyword burgers, cheddar cheese, grilling