Stuffed Burgers

Prep: 20 minutes
Grill: 15 minutes • Serves: 4

Blue Cheese & Caramelized Onion Filling
1 small onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon Essential Everyday® unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Horseradish Cheddar & Bacon Filling
4 slices smoked bacon
1/4 cup shredded horseradish Cheddar cheese

Burgers
1-1/2 pounds ground round
2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 buns or rolls of choice

Toppings
Baby spinach, arugula, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, avocado slices, red onion slices, sun-dried tomatoes in oil

1. If using, prepare Blue Cheese & Caramelized Onion Filling: In large skillet, cook onion in butter over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in thyme and red pepper flakes; let cool. Transfer onion mixture to bowl; stir in blue cheese.

2. If using, prepare Horseradish Cheddar & Bacon Filling: In large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp, turning occasionally; let cool and coarsely chop. Transfer bacon to bowl; stir in cheese.

3. Meanwhile, prepare Burgers: Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat. In large bowl, combine beef and breadcrumbs. Form beef mixture into eight 1/4-inch-thick patties; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Evenly divide filling of choice onto center of 4 patties, spreading filling to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top each with remaining 4 patties. Pinch edges together to seal.

4. Place burgers on hot grill rack. Cover and cook 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155° for medium doneness, turning once. Serve burgers on buns with toppings, if desired.

Approximate nutritional values per serving:
(Blue Cheese & Caramelized Onion): 397 Calories,
22g Fat (11g Saturated), 128mg Cholesterol,
819mg Sodium, 5g Carbohydrates, 1g Fiber, 36g Protein

 
Approximate nutritional values per serving:
(Horseradish Cheddar & Bacon): 398 Calories,
22g Fat (10g Saturated), 129mg Cholesterol,
890mg Sodium, 3g Carbohydrates, 0g Fiber, 37g Protein

Chef Tip
To make both varieties of stuffed burgers, either cut each filling recipe in half or double the burger recipe to make 8 burgers.