Filled Hamburger Recipe
Filled hamburgers are a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings together the familiar comfort of a cheeseburger with an exciting surprise inside. Imagine biting into a juicy patty, only to discover melted cheese and crispy bacon awaiting you in every bite. Trust me; once you try these, traditional burgers will seem a bit bland in comparison. Whether you’re firing up the grill for friends or treating your family to a weeknight feast, this recipe delivers satisfaction and flavor.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Here’s what you'll need to get started on making these amazing filled hamburgers:
- - 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- - 1 pound of extra lean ground beef 96/4 is my go-to
- - 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- - 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- - 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- - 4 slices of your favorite cheese optional, I often go for pepper jack for a kick
- - For serving: toasted burger buns fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sliced red onions, dashes of burger sauce, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise
- Burger Sauce:
- - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- - 2 tablespoons ketchup
- - 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- - Dash of cayenne if you're feeling adventurous
- - Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Feel free to consider adding some minced garlic or finely chopped jalapeños to the burger mix for extra flavor creating a delicious twist without overwhelming the base flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. You want it cooked through but not crispy since it will finish cooking within the patties. Once done, remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly before chopping it into small bits.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to blend everything together gently with your hands – but don’t overdo it! The key is just enough mixing to spread the ingredients without making the mixture dense.
Step 3: Form the Patties
- Divide that delightful mixture into four equal portions. You’ll want to pat them into burger shapes, making sure to form them slightly thinner rather than thick. This is important because they will shrink a bit while cooking, and a thinner patty ensures they cook evenly.
Step 4: Chill the Patties (Optional)
- If time allows, cover and refrigerate the formed patties for about an hour. This step is helpful in making sure your burgers keep their shape while grilling. Plus, it allows the flavors to mingle a bit.
Step 5: Prepare the Burger Sauce
- While the patties chill, you can easily whip up the burger sauce. In a small bowl, stir together mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne (only if you want some heat). Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Store the sauce in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the burgers.
Step 6: Prep Your Toppings
- While everything is chilling, get your toppings ready. Slice the tomatoes, tear off some crisp lettuce, and slice the onions. Just a little bit of prep work makes a world of difference when it comes time to serve.
Step 7: Grill Time!
- Take your chilled patties and place them onto a preheated grill or grill pan. Cook them for about 3 minutes on one side before flipping them over. Cook for another 3 minutes, checking that the internal temperature hits 160°F. If you’re adding extra cheese slices to melt on top, do this right after you flip the burgers, allowing about 2 minutes before covering them to let the cheese melt.
Step 8: Assemble Your Burger
- Now that your patties are perfectly cooked, it’s time to build your masterpiece. Serve them on toasted buns and pile on the fresh toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and that zesty burger sauce, or any condiments you like.
Step 9: Enjoy!
- Dig in! These filled hamburgers are perfect for a summer gathering, and they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Notes
- Quality Meat: Use high-quality meat for better flavor. Leaner beef reduces grease but can taste less rich.
- Stray from Staleness: Variate toppings by switching up vegetables or sauces according to personal preferences.
- Temperature Matters: Keep an eye on doneness with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Keep It Juicy: Avoid over-mixing to ensure your patties are juicy and tender.
- Rest Time: Let the cooked burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in moisture.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!