Cheese-Filled Hamburgers: A Juicy, Flavor-Packed BBQ Favorite
When it comes to grilling the perfect burger, there’s nothing quite like a juicy, cheese-filled masterpiece that combines savory ground beef with the rich, creamy goodness of melted cheese. This recipe, inspired by a barbeque book Iโve had for years, has become a staple at almost every one of our backyard barbecues. The combination of cheddar, blue cheese, and monterey jack creates a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with the crunch of finely chopped onions and the slight heat from cayenne pepper. If youโre looking for a burger thatโs more than just meat between buns, this is it. Here’s how to make these irresistible, cheese-stuffed burgers:
Ingredients for Cheese-Filled Hamburgers
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef mince (ground beef) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 tsp |
| Cheddar cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Blue cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Monterey Jack cheese, grated | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 712.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 58.7g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 26.6g |
| Cholesterol Content | 158.3mg |
| Sodium Content | 809.1mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 4.3g |
| Fiber Content | 1.5g |
| Sugar Content | 1.4g |
| Protein Content | 42.4g |
| Servings | 4 burgers |
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Start by combining the beef mince, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients well, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, finely chopped onion, and chopped walnuts. Mix these ingredients together until the cheese is evenly distributed and the walnuts are well dispersed. This will be the filling for your cheese-stuffed burgers.
Step 3: Divide the seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. These will serve as the base for your burgers.
Step 4: Carefully create a deep well in the center of each meatball using your fingers or the back of a spoon. Then, spoon the cheese and walnut mixture into the well, ensuring that each ball gets a generous filling of the cheese-onion mixture.
Step 5: Gently cover the cheese mixture with the edges of the beef, sealing the cheese inside. Once sealed, carefully flatten each meatball into a burger patty about 1/2 inch thick. Take care not to press too hard, as you want to keep the cheese filling intact.
Step 6: Once shaped, place the patties on a tray and put them in the freezer for approximately 1 hour. Freezing the patties ensures that they stay together while cooking, preventing the cheese from leaking out during grilling.
Step 7: After an hour, your burgers are ready to be cooked! Grill them on the barbecue or cook them in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 3-5 minutes or until the burgers reach your desired level of doneness. The cheese inside should be perfectly melted, creating a deliciously gooey center.
Step 8: Serve your cheese-filled burgers with your favorite burger buns, fresh vegetables, and condiments. These burgers are rich, flavorful, and packed with protein, making them a perfect choice for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
Tips for Perfect Cheese-Filled Burgers:
- Chill the patties before cooking: Freezing the patties ensures they donโt fall apart during cooking. If youโre short on time, you can also chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Add extra toppings: While these burgers are delicious on their own, you can also add toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or even a spicy sauce to make them even more flavorful.
- Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to switch up the cheese blend based on your preferences. A mix of gouda, Swiss, or even pepper jack can be a great variation.
- For a healthier version: If you’re watching your carbs, skip the buns and serve the burgers in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
These cheese-filled hamburgers are a surefire way to elevate your next BBQ, with the perfect balance of savory beef and melty cheese. Whether youโre grilling for friends or cooking a quick weeknight dinner, these burgers will not disappoint. Enjoy every bite of these juicy, cheese-stuffed creations!
