Cooking Cheese-Stuffed Burgers: How Long Does It Take?

Juicy, mouth-watering cheese-stuffed burgers are a delight to bite into, but how long do you need to cook them for? The answer depends on how well-done you like your burger. For a medium-rare burger, you'll want to cook it for around 2-3 minutes on each side. If you prefer your burger medium, aim for 3-4 minutes per side. And if you like your burger well-done, you're looking at around 5-6 minutes on each side. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your stove and the size of your patty. It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the burger reaches at least 160ºF to be safe for consumption.

How to cook cheese-stuffed burgers on a grill

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hamburger buns
• Lettuce
• Onion
• Tomato
• Potato chips or French fries
• Bacon
• Barbecue sauce
• Green pepper
• Mushrooms
• Green onions

Method:

• Preheat your grill to a high heat.
• Divide the meat into balls. Press cubes of cheese into the centre of each ball and flatten into a patty, ensuring the cheese is wrapped in the meat.
• Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
• Grill the burgers for 5 minutes on each side.
• Remove from the grill and open the foil packets, allowing the steam to escape.
• Place the opened foil packets back on the grill and add sauce to the top of each patty.
• Continue to cook for 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
• Spread sauce on the bottom half of each bun and top with lettuce, onion and tomato.
• Place the patty on top, add another spoon of sauce and the top half of the bun.
• Serve with chips or fries.

Tips:

• The amount of time you need to cook the burgers will depend on how well-done you like your burger, and how thick the burgers are. For a 1-inch burger, rare should be around 6 minutes, and well-done around 10 minutes.
• If you like your burger cooked medium-rare, use room-temperature shredded cheese, as it will melt faster.
• Make sure there are no holes in the burger after you've stuffed it, or the cheese will leak.
• Refrigerate the patties for about an hour before grilling to help them keep their shape.
• Don't push or press on your burger while grilling, as this will make the juices leave the burger and result in a dry burger.
• Make a thumbprint indentation in the centre of each patty before grilling to ensure the meat cooks evenly and holds its shape.
• The stuffed burger patties can be made up to 8 hours in advance.

How to cook cheese-stuffed burgers on a stovetop

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Barbecue sauce
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Bacon
• Onion
• Cheddar cheese
• Hamburger buns
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Your favourite toppings and condiments

Optional ingredients

• Worcestershire sauce
• Challah buns
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Sweet pickle juice
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Egg yolk
• Breadcrumbs
• Mozzarella
• English mustard
• Gherkins
• Basil
• Parsley
• Pancetta
• Garlic
• Thyme

Method

• Mix ground beef, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl, using your hands.
• Shape a small handful at a time (approximately 1/4 pound) into thin patties.
• Lay the patties out on a cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap; place the patties in the refrigerator.
• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned.
• Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
• Reduce the heat to medium and cook onions in the remaining bacon drippings until soft and just beginning to brown.
• Mix onions and bacon in a small bowl.
• Remove beef patties from the refrigerator; top with the bacon and onion mixture, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
• Top each with another patty and press the edges together to seal.
• In a cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet/grill pan, add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and place over medium heat.
• Once the pan is hot, cook the burgers for 3-5 minutes per side until they’re no longer pink.
• For a medium-well burger, cook for about 7-8 minutes on one side, then another 5 on the other.
• If you like your burger cooked more on the medium-rare side, make sure to use room temperature shredded cheese, as it will melt faster.
• If you are adding sliced cheese, do this after the burger has been flipped to the second side and after about 2 minutes. Top each patty with a slice, cover and cook for 1 minute.
• Butter the buns and grill until golden.
• Assemble your burgers with your favourite toppings and condiments.

How to assemble cheese-stuffed burgers

The key to assembling cheese-stuffed burgers is to ensure that the cheese is fully encased within the beef patties. This can be achieved by following these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the beef patties

Divide your beef mixture into equal portions and shape them into balls. Then, using a flat-bottomed pan, press the meat into thin patties. You can use wax paper to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Aim for patties that are thinner rather than thicker, as they will shrink during cooking.

Step 2: Add the cheese

Take one of the thin patties and top it with your desired amount of shredded cheese, leaving a border around the edges. You can also add other ingredients like caramelized onions, bacon bits, or jalapeño slices at this stage.

Step 3: Seal the patties

Place another thin patty on top of the cheese and pressed the edges together firmly to seal. Shape the sealed patties into thick burger patties, ensuring there are no holes or gaps. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

Step 4: Season and chill

Season the stuffed burger patties with salt and pepper, and then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours. Chilling helps the patties hold their shape during grilling or cooking.

Step 5: Cook the burgers

You can cook the cheese-stuffed burgers on a grill or in a skillet. For a medium-well burger, cook for about 7-8 minutes on one side and then another 5 minutes on the other side. The cooking time may vary depending on your desired doneness and the cooking method.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

Once the burgers are cooked, assemble them on toasted buns with your choice of toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bacon, and your favorite condiments or sauces.

How to make the cheese stuffing

The cheese stuffing is a key component of a cheese-stuffed burger, adding a gooey and delicious centre to your burger. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the cheese stuffing:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the cheese stuffing, you will need shredded or grated cheese. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties such as mozzarella, pepper jack, Colby, blue cheese, Swiss, or feta. You can also mix different types of cheese together to create your own unique blend. The amount of cheese you need will depend on the number of burgers you are making, but for four burgers, you will typically need around 3/4 to 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Preparing the Cheese

If you are using block cheese, you will need to shred or grate it. You can use a box grater or a food processor to do this. Once you have shredded your cheese, it is a good idea to form it into a firm ball by squeezing it together. This will make it easier to work with and help it stay in place when you are assembling your burgers.

Stuffing the Burgers

Now it's time to stuff your burgers! Take your beef mixture and divide it into equal portions, forming them into thin patties. The number of portions will depend on the number of burgers you are making. For each burger, you will need two thin patties.

Take one patty and sprinkle or place your desired amount of cheese on top, leaving a border around the edge. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, such as caramelised onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños.

Sealing the Burgers

Place another thin patty on top of the cheese and press the edges together firmly to seal. It is important to ensure that there are no holes in the burger, as this can cause the cheese to leak out during cooking. Shape the stuffed burger into a thick patty.

Chilling the Burgers

Once your burgers are stuffed and sealed, it is a good idea to chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour. This will help them to hold their shape during grilling or cooking.

Now your cheese-stuffed burgers are ready to be cooked! Follow the instructions for your chosen cooking method, such as grilling or pan-frying, and enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!

How to make the burger sauce

The sauce is a key component of any burger, and this cheese-stuffed burger is no exception. The sauce will add an extra layer of flavour to the dish, complementing the cheese and other ingredients perfectly. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the burger sauce for your cheese-stuffed burgers:

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather all the ingredients required for the sauce. The exact quantities of each ingredient can vary according to your taste preferences, but the basic ingredients typically include:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Pickle juice (preferably sweet)
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

Mixing the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth and consistent sauce. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste. For instance, if you prefer a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

Refrigerating the Sauce:

Once you have mixed the sauce, it is advisable to refrigerate it until you are ready to serve the burgers. This will help to thicken the sauce slightly and also keep it fresh. Place the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge until needed.

Preparing the Toppings:

While the sauce is chilling, you can prepare the rest of your burger toppings. Wash and slice any fresh toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, or pickles. Having these ready will make assembling your burgers quicker and easier once the patties are cooked.

Assembling the Burger:

When your cheese-stuffed burgers are cooked to perfection, it's time to assemble the final product. Spread a generous amount of your secret sauce on the bottom half of the burger bun. Then, stack the burger patty on top of the sauce, followed by any desired toppings. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the bun.

Your cheese-stuffed burgers with the special sauce are now ready to be devoured and enjoyed! This sauce will undoubtedly elevate your burger experience, impressing your taste buds and leaving your guests craving more.

Frequently asked questions