Get ready to transform your ordinary burger night into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Stuffed Jalapeno Popper Burgers are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of jalapeno poppers with the classic American burger. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled burger and discovering a molten core of cream cheese and cheddar, with just the right kick of spice from fresh jalapenos. This isn't just another burger recipe - it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 jalapenos, halved and seeded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the jalapenos by carefully halving and removing all seeds. Dice two of the jalapeno halves finely for mixing into the burger meat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Divide the ground beef mixture into 8 thin patties, making them slightly larger than your hamburger buns.
- Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese and cheddar mixture in the center of 4 of the patties, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Cover each cheese-topped patty with another beef patty, carefully sealing the edges by pinching and pressing to create a complete stuffed burger.
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Ensure surface is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Cook burgers for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- During the last minute of cooking, place additional jalapeno halves on the grill to char slightly for garnish.
- Toast hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a separate skillet.
- Let burgers rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking to allow cheese to set and juices to redistribute.
- Serve burgers on toasted buns, optionally garnishing with the grilled jalapeno halves and additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- For the best flavor and texture, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to keep the burgers juicy.
- When sealing the stuffed patties, ensure edges are completely closed to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 160°F ensures safe cooking while maintaining burger juiciness.
- Let the burgers rest after cooking to allow the cheese to set and juices to redistribute, preventing a messy first bite.
- For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapenos, or use roasted green chiles as a milder alternative.
- If grilling isn't an option, these burgers work perfectly in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 618kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 130mg
