Step into a world of flavor and comfort with these Gooey Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burgers. Juicy beef patties are infused with smoky BBQ seasoning, then filled with melty cheddar cheese and topped with crispy bacon for an epic, indulgent bite. Get ready to elevate your backyard barbecue game with this cozy, craveable burger recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burgers
These burgers are a true flavor explosion, blending the comforting richness of cheddar cheese, the bold smokiness of BBQ seasoning, and the salty crunch of bacon. The gooey, melty center is the ultimate in satisfying indulgence, while the crisp exterior and juicy beef patty provide the perfect contrast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these burgers are sure to become a new backyard BBQ staple.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients that come together to create an absolutely mouthwatering burger. You’ll need ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, BBQ seasoning, and a few pantry staples. The result is a hearty, flavor-packed burger that’s sure to impress.
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Cheddar cheese
- 8 slices – Bacon
- 2 tbsp – BBQ seasoning
- 1 tsp – Salt and pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey jack, for a twist on the classic cheddar.
- Seasoning: You can also use your go-to burger seasoning blend in place of the BBQ spice if you prefer.
How to Make Gooey Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burgers
Let’s dive into the simple steps to make these mouthwatering burgers at home.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing the burger patties. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, BBQ seasoning, salt, and pepper until just mixed. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into thin, wide patties.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place a slice of cheddar cheese in the center of 4 of the patties. Top each cheese-filled patty with another plain patty, pressing the edges to seal. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the stuffed burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the burgers are cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Spread the buns with your favorite BBQ sauce, then top the bottom buns with the cheddar-stuffed patties. Finish with the crispy bacon and the top buns.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Seasoning: For an extra smoky flavor, rub the beef patties with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder before assembling.
- Cheese Swap: You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique twist.
- Indulgent Toppings: To make these burgers even more indulgent, top them with crispy onion strings or a drizzle of barbecue aioli.
- Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the stuffed burgers in the oven. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the beef is cooked through.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: classic cookout sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or mac and cheese.
Storage: Leftover Gooey Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The uncooked stuffed patties can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before grilling.
Nutrition Information
These burgers are a hearty, indulgent treat, with each serving providing a generous 33g of protein, 41g of fat, and 596 calories. The combination of beef, cheese, and bacon makes for a satisfying and filling meal, but it’s important to enjoy these burgers in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 596 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 21 g
- Fat: 41 g
- Sodium: 1,232 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! The uncooked stuffed patties can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before grilling.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?
The key is to make sure the patties are sealed tightly around the cheese. Pressing the edges firmly and avoiding overstuffing will help keep the cheese contained.
Can I cook these burgers in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the stuffed burgers in the oven. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the beef is cooked through.
What should I serve with these burgers?
These burgers pair perfectly with classic cookout sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or mac and cheese. You can also serve them with crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh green salad.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Leftover Gooey Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Try These Next
- Epic Burgers Melts
- Bbq Bacon Smoked Brisket Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
Gooey Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burgers are a mouthwatering delight with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and smoky BBQ flavor. Perfect for grilling season!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
Lettuce, tomato, and onion for serving
Additional BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions.
4. Flatten each portion into a thin patty. Place a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese in the center of 4 patties.
5. Top the cheese with crumbled bacon and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Place the remaining patties on top and seal the edges to form a stuffed burger.
6. Grill the burgers for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
7. During the last minute of grilling, toast the hamburger buns on the grill until golden brown.
8. Assemble the burgers by placing the cooked patties on the buns and topping with lettuce, tomato, onion, and additional BBQ sauce.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add jalapeños or your favorite spices to the beef mixture.
Make sure to seal the edges of the stuffed burgers well to prevent cheese from leaking out while grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: burgers, BBQ, cheese, bacon