Juicy Crack Burgers

$For these Juicy Crack Burgers, you need: - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 slices of cheddar cheese - 4 burger buns - 1 cup lettuce, shredded - 1 tomato, sliced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - Pickles (optional) - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon) I suggest using an 80/20 beef blend. This mix means 80% meat and 20% fat. The fat keeps the burgers juicy and flavorful. Leaner beef can dry out. You can get creative with toppings. Add crispy bacon or avocado slices for extra flavor. Sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños can add a nice kick. Don't forget your favorite sauces! Try BBQ sauce or hot sauce for a twist. To start, grab a large bowl. You need to mix the ground beef with some simple spices. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Then, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat. This keeps the burgers juicy and tender. Next, divide the meat mixture into four equal parts. Each part will become a patty. Shape each piece into a round patty. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This step stops the burgers from puffing up as they cook. Now, it’s time to cook! Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high. When it’s hot, place the burger patties on it. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on one side. Don’t move them around; let them sear. After that, flip the burgers and cook for another 3-4 minutes. During the last minute, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Let it melt. While the burgers cook, toast your burger buns. Grill or skillet-toast them until they turn golden brown. Once the burgers are done, take them off the heat. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. Now, you can put your burger together. Spread mayonnaise and mustard on the bottom half of each bun. Add a lettuce leaf, then the cheesy burger patty. Top it with a slice of tomato, some red onion rings, and pickles if you like. Finally, place the top half of the bun on your creation. Enjoy your Juicy Crack Burger! To make juicy burgers, use an 80/20 beef blend. The fat gives flavor and moisture. Mix the beef gently with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Overmixing makes burgers tough. Shape the patties with a slight dip in the center. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. You can grill, pan-fry, or use an air fryer. Grilling gives a nice smoky taste. Pan-frying offers a crispy crust. If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. No matter the method, let burgers rest before serving. This helps the juices settle back into the meat. Fries are a classic choice. Sweet potato fries add a fun twist. A simple salad with mixed greens and a light dressing pairs well, too. Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture that complements the burger. You can also try onion rings for a crispy side. Each option brings out the burger's flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for more flavor. Try Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack. Each cheese adds a unique taste and texture. Swiss melts well and has a mild flavor. Gouda adds a creamy richness. Pepper jack brings a spicy kick. Choose your favorite or mix them for fun! Mix-ins can add extra flavor to your burgers. Consider adding chopped onions or jalapeños. These give the meat a great taste and texture. For a smoky flavor, try adding some cooked bacon bits. You can also mix in herbs like parsley or thyme. Just be sure not to overwork the meat! You can enjoy Juicy Crack Burgers without meat! Use plant-based ground meat for a meat-like texture. Options like lentils or black beans work well too. For a firmer patty, try chickpeas or quinoa. Add the same spices for flavor. Top it with your favorite cheese or vegan cheese for a great bite. You can store leftover burgers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first. This keeps them from steaming and getting soggy. To reheat leftover burgers, use a skillet. Heat it on medium-low. Add the burger and cover with a lid. This keeps the burger moist. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the burger on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm. You can freeze burger patties for later. Shape them as usual and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the patties for about an hour. Once firm, wrap each patty in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag. They last for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps keep them juicy when cooked. You can use ground turkey or chicken. These meats provide a lighter option. You can also use ground pork for extra flavor. For a plant-based choice, try lentils or black beans. Just make sure to adjust your spices. To check if the burgers are done, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be no longer pink inside. Yes, you can prep the burger patties in advance. Shape them and store them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for later use. Just thaw before cooking for best results. Soft burger buns work best for Juicy Crack Burgers. Look for brioche or potato rolls for added flavor. You can also use whole wheat buns for a healthier touch. You can use lean ground beef like 90/10. Load up on veggies like lettuce and tomatoes. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a creamier, lighter spread. Add avocado for healthy fats and flavor. We explored how to make the perfect Juicy Crack Burgers. We started with key ingredients, recommended blends, and optional toppings. Then, we went step-by-step from mixing to cooking and assembling. Tips helped us keep burgers juicy and suggested great sides too. Variations included different cheeses and meat alternatives. Lastly, storage info covered leftovers and reheating. Enjoy your burgers and have fun experimenting with flavors. Happy cooking!$

Indulge in the ultimate Juicy Crack Burgers that will elevate your backyard barbecues! This recipe combines perfectly seasoned beef patties with melty cheddar cheese and fresh toppings for a mouthwatering experience. In just 25 minutes, you can create incredible burgers that everyone will love.Click through to discover all the delicious details!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

4 slices of cheddar cheese

4 burger buns

1 cup lettuce, shredded

1 tomato, sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Pickles (optional)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a burger patty, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.

Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the burger patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them to achieve a good sear.

Flip the burgers and cook for another 3-4 minutes. During the final minute of cooking, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty to melt.

While the burgers are cooking, toast the burger buns on the grill or skillet until golden brown.

Once cooked, remove the burgers from heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

Assemble the burgers: Spread mayonnaise and mustard on the bottom half of each bun. Add a lettuce leaf followed by the cheesy burger patty, tomato slice, red onion rings, and pickles if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.

Serve immediately with your favorite side, like fries or a salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4