Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger

Featured in Easy Sandwiches Done Right.

A twist on the classic cheeseburger, these patties are stuffed with cheese, bacon, and ranch. Stack them on brioche and add caramelized onions or burger sauce if you'd like.

Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:23 GMT
Up-close shot of a cheesy burger stacked with bacon and onions, paired with a tasty side dip. Pin it
Up-close shot of a cheesy burger stacked with bacon and onions, paired with a tasty side dip. | thefamilycooks.com

Irresistible Crack Burgers

One weekend I whipped up these burgers when I felt like turning our beloved crack chicken flavors into an amazing burger treat. When you mix crispy bacon, ranch flavor and gooey cheese right into the patties, it works like magic. You'll get why they're named crack burgers from your very first taste – they're just so darn hard to put down.

Why These Burgers Stand Out

We're not talking regular burgers here. The bacon gets worked into the beef creating small bits of smoky flavor while ranch mix and sour cream keep everything super moist. Top it off with those sweet cooked onions and our knockout burger sauce and you've got something really special.

Your Grocery Needs

  • Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 mix for the most succulent patties.
  • Bacon: Make it extra crispy for better crunch.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting.
  • Sour Cream: Our trick for unbelievable juiciness.
  • Ranch Seasoning: This gives everything that wow factor.
  • Salt & Pepper: Basic spices make all the difference.
  • Buns & Toppings: Try brioche buns plus your top choice add-ons.

Time To Cook Burgers

Cook the Bacon
Fry your bacon until super crispy then break it up into tiny chunks.
Prepare the Burger Mixture
Combine all ingredients with a light touch so everything gets evenly mixed.
Form Patties
Shape them to the same size with a small dent in the center for better cooking.
Cook the Burgers
Let them cook to perfection and add cheese just when needed.
Toast the Buns
Use the leftover burger fat for toasting to add fantastic flavor.

Taking Them To Another Level

Our burger sauce really makes these shine – mix up ketchup, BBQ sauce, mayo, relish and a dash of Worcestershire for something truly tasty. Throw on some crisp pickles and those golden caramelized onions for the ultimate burger. Each topping plays its part in creating that perfect mouthful.

My Top Burger Tips

You can't beat 80/20 beef for great burgers. Don't forget that thumbprint in the middle as it stops them from swelling up. Always warm your buns in the meat juices and if you want super melty cheese just put a cover over the patties for a minute. These small tricks really count.

A juicy burger with melted cheese, bacon, and sautéed onions sits on a toasted bun, accompanied by French fries. Pin it
A juicy burger with melted cheese, bacon, and sautéed onions sits on a toasted bun, accompanied by French fries. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the benefit of 80/20 ground beef?

It stays juicy and flavorful because of the fat content. Lean beef tends to dry out, especially with added mix-ins.

→ Can I prepare the patties in advance?

Sure, you can! Shape them, stack with wax paper, and chill up to a day. Let them come back to room temp before cooking.

→ What can I swap for sour cream?

Try Greek yogurt—it’s creamy, tangy, and even packs extra protein.

→ Why don’t my patties hold together?

Don’t overwork the meat—mix gently. Too much handling might toughen them, but too little can make them fall apart.

→ Can I grill instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely, grill on medium-high heat. Watch out for cheese drips—they can cause flare-ups.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger

Ground beef packed with ranch seasoning, cheddar, and crispy bacon, topped with gooey cheese on a soft brioche bun.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 burgers)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 6 hamburger buns (brioche-style).
02 6 slices of cheese.
03 1/2 cup chopped crispy bacon (about 6 strips).
04 1.5 pounds of 80/20 ground beef.
05 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.
06 Caramelized onions.
07 Pickles.
08 2 spoons of ranch mix seasoning.
09 1/4 cup sour cream.
10 Burger sauce of your choice.

Instructions

Step 01

Fry bacon until it's crisp, then break it into small bits and put it aside.

Step 02

In a big bowl, mix together the ground beef, cheddar, ranch mix, sour cream, and chopped bacon.

Step 03

Divide the mixture into 6 parts and shape them into patties, each about a quarter-pound.

Step 04

Warm up your griddle and cook patties for 5 mins on one side, flip for 4 mins on the other, top with a cheese slice, then cover to melt for a minute.

Step 05

Place on the buns with whatever toppings you like best and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Greek yogurt works as a substitute for sour cream.
  2. Different meat blends change the juiciness.
  3. Over-mixing the meat can make it dense.
  4. Tastes best hot and fresh off the griddle!
  5. Perfect for outdoor grilling sessions.
  6. You can prepare the patties in advance.

Tools You'll Need

  • Flat-top grill or griddle.
  • Mixing bowl (large enough for easy combining).
  • Spatula or flipper for cooking.
  • Skillet to cook bacon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream).
  • Includes wheat (buns).
  • Eggs might be in brioche buns.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 32 g