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Crack Burger

Juicy beef patties seasoned with a bold spice blend, stuffed and topped with crispy bacon and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all tucked into toasted buns with fresh toppings for an irresistibly crave-worthy burger.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Patties
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 burger buns
For Serving
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Red onion slices
  • Dill pickle chips
  • Mayonnaise or burger sauce
  • Mustard optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grill or cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning as needed, until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain.
  2. In a small bowl combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the meat; gently fold just until combined.
  4. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 3/4-inch-thick patty with a slight indent in the center.
  5. Crumble the cooled bacon; press half of the crumbles lightly into the surface of each patty, reserving the rest for topping.
  6. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (about 400 °F) for 5 minutes.
  7. Place patties on the hot cooking surface and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes; flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160 °F for medium doneness.
  8. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese and cover to melt.
  9. Toast burger buns cut-side down on the grill or a separate skillet for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  10. Assemble: spread mayonnaise or burger sauce on bottom bun, add lettuce, the cheeseburger patty, remaining bacon crumbles, tomato, red onion, pickle chips, and top bun; serve hot.

Notes

Let cooked burgers rest for 2 minutes before assembling to keep juices inside the meat and prevent soggy buns.