Cheese-Stuffed Burgers: Cooking Time For Melty Goodness

Cheese-stuffed hamburgers are a delicious twist on the traditional cheeseburger. The cooking time for these mouth-watering burgers depends on how well-done you like your meat. For a medium-rare burger, cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. If you prefer your burger medium, cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Well-done burgers will need 5-6 minutes on each side. No matter your preference, make sure to cook the burger long enough for the cheese to melt.

How to make a cheese-stuffed burger

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make four cheese-stuffed burgers:

• 1.5 lbs of ground beef (75 or 80% lean)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp of kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp of ground black pepper
• 1 medium sweet yellow onion, sliced or diced
• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• Your favourite barbecue sauce
• 4 hamburger buns

Optional Ingredients

• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder

Utensils

• Cast iron skillet
• Wax paper sheets
• Box grater

Method

• Add the bacon strips to a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat until the bacon is crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to cool.
• Drain the bacon grease, retaining about a tablespoon in the pan.
• Increase the heat to medium and cook the sliced onion for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the onions from the heat and transfer to a plate.
• Divide the beef into eight equal portions and shape into balls.
• On a flat surface, lay a sheet of wax paper and place a ball of ground beef on top. Cover with another sheet of wax paper and use a flat-bottomed pan to press the meat into 1/4-1/2 inch patties. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.
• Take one of the thin patties and top with 1/8 cup of cheddar cheese, a tablespoon or two of the onions, and another 1/8 cup of cheese. Leave a border around the patty.
• Take another thin patty and place it on top, pressing the edges together to seal. Shape into a thick burger patty.
• Double-check the burger to make sure there are no holes, then season with salt and pepper.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil and butter to the skillet and heat over medium heat.
• Add the burgers to the pan (cooking two at a time is recommended) and cook for approximately 8 minutes, until the sides are browned.
• Carefully flip the burgers and cook for another 5 minutes or so, until golden brown.
• Add barbecue sauce and bacon to the bottom bun, then top with the burger, additional caramelized onions, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for a cheese-stuffed burger will depend on your preferred level of doneness. For a medium-well burger, cook for about 7-8 minutes on one side and then another 5 minutes on the other side. If you prefer your burger more on the medium-rare side, use room-temperature shredded cheese so that it melts faster.

Tips

• When sealing the two patties together, ensure there are no holes in the burger to prevent cheese leakage. Even if there is a leak, the burger is still edible and delicious!
• Use a spatula to carefully flip the burgers to avoid squeezing out the cheese.
• Cook the burgers on a flat-top griddle or skillet to have more control over the cooking process and to help keep the cheese inside.
• Cook the burgers over medium heat to ensure even cooking and reduce the chances of the burger falling apart.
• Let the stuffed burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent the cheese from oozing out.

The best cheeses for cheese-stuffed burgers

Cheese-stuffed burgers are a delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger. The cheese is melted inside the burger, creating a gooey core that takes the dish to a whole new level. While you can use any type of cheese you like, here are some popular options that pair well with the other ingredients commonly found in burgers:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheese-stuffed burgers. Its sharp, buttery flavour and gooey texture when melted make it a perfect option. Cheddar pairs well with other common burger ingredients such as bacon, barbecue sauce, and caramelised onions.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavour and a creamy texture that can add a delicious touch to your stuffed burger. It goes well with a variety of other ingredients, including mushrooms and steak sauce.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese has a strong, tangy flavour that can add a nice kick to your burger. It pairs well with bacon, as well as other cheeses such as cheddar.

Pepperjack Cheese

For those who like a little spice, pepperjack cheese is a great option. It has a mild to medium kick that can complement other spicy ingredients such as jalapeños.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a rich, creamy texture and a mild flavour that can help balance out the taste of other stronger ingredients in your burger. It pairs well with cheddar and jalapeños.

When making cheese-stuffed burgers, remember not to overstuff the burgers, as this can cause the cheese to leak out. Also, if you prefer your burgers on the rarer side, use room-temperature shredded cheese as it will melt faster. Experiment with different cheese and ingredient combinations to find your favourite cheese-stuffed burger recipe!

How to keep a stuffed burger from falling apart

To prevent your stuffed burger from falling apart, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that refrigeration is key. Shaping your ground beef into patties and then refrigerating them will help the patties stick together due to the fat content. This is preferable to freezing the patties, as they will take longer to cook through and may cook unevenly.

Secondly, try to minimise handling the meat when shaping the patties. Overhandling can cause the meat to break into smaller pieces. Simply shape the beef into a vague burger shape with as little handling as possible.

Thirdly, avoid using liquid ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, as they can make the patty more watery and susceptible to breaking apart. Instead, opt for dry seasonings to add flavour.

Additionally, be careful when flipping the burger. Allow one side to cook halfway through before flipping it, as this will help the patty hold its shape. Constantly scraping the patty off the grill can cause it to break apart.

Finally, ensure there are no holes in the burger after stuffing it, as this can cause the cheese to leak out. Seal the edges of the patty well and check for any openings before cooking.

How long to cook a stuffed burger

A stuffed burger, or Juicy Lucy as it's sometimes known, is a burger with cheese cooked inside the patty rather than placed on top. The length of time you cook your stuffed burger will depend on how well-done you like your meat, and whether you want the cheese to be melted.

Preparing the Patty

To make a stuffed burger, you'll need to form two thin patties from your ground beef and place your cheese in the middle. It's important to make sure the cheese is fully enclosed within the meat and that there are no gaps or openings. You can use shredded cheese or thin slices, but if you prefer your cheese melted, shredded cheese will melt faster.

Cooking the Patty

Once your patty is prepared, you can cook it in a pan or on a griddle. It's recommended to cook on medium heat rather than high heat, to ensure the meat cooks evenly and reduce the chances of the burger falling apart.

For a medium-rare burger, you can expect to cook the patty for around 7-8 minutes on one side, and then another 5 minutes on the other side. For a medium-well burger, you'll need to cook it for longer—around 8 minutes on the first side, and 5 minutes on the other. It's important to note that every stove is different, so you may need to experiment to get your desired result.

Serving the Patty

It's recommended to let your stuffed burger rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the juices redistribute, and it will also prevent the cheese from oozing out when you take your first bite.

You can serve your stuffed burger on its own, in a bun, or even a lettuce wrap. You can also add toppings such as bacon, fried egg, or extra cheese.

Enjoy your stuffed burger!

What to serve with a cheese-stuffed burger

A cheese-stuffed burger is a hearty meal, and there are plenty of sides you can serve with it. Here are some ideas to accompany your juicy burger:

Fries

A classic side to any burger, fries are always a good option. Whether they're baked, fried, or air-fried, they're a perfect match for your cheese-stuffed burger. You can even spice things up with some cheesy potato wedges or sweet potato fries!

Corn

Boiled or grilled corn on the cob is a great summery side to your burger. You could also try corn salsa for a fresh and flavorful twist.

Coleslaw

A creamy coleslaw can add a nice crunch and tanginess to your meal. Try a light raisin coleslaw for a unique flavor profile.

Baked Potato

For a more filling option, a baked potato with all the fixings is a great choice. You could even make crispy baked potato skins for a fun variation.

Salad

A fresh salad can help balance out your meal. Try a fruit salad with a honey lime dressing, or go for a more traditional garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite veggies.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilling some veggies like onions, mushrooms, or peppers can add a tasty and healthy component to your meal.

Eggs

For a heartier meal, try serving your cheese-stuffed burger with a fried egg on top. It's a unique combination that's sure to satisfy your hunger.

Bacon

Bacon is a classic burger companion, and for good reason. Crispy, salty bacon complements the juicy burger and melted cheese perfectly. You could even crumble some bacon on top of your burger for an extra indulgent treat.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create the ultimate cheese-stuffed burger meal. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different sides to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions