Brian in the Kitchen Recipes

BRIAN IN THE KITCHEN brought to you by Stittsworth Meats
June 6 2025
Queso-Stuffed Burgers

Image From foodnetwork.com
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 slices Velveeta or American cheese, each slice cut into 4 squares
1/4 cup canned diced tomatoes and chiles (such as Rotel) or pico de gallo, drained
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 sesame hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Sliced tomato, sliced avocado or guacamole and chipotle mayonnaise, for topping
Combine the ground beef, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the chile powder and cumin in a medium bowl. Mix with your hands until evenly combined. Divide into 8 equal portions, then flatten into thin patties, about 4 inches wide. Put 4 squares of cheese in the center of 4 of the patties, fanned out into a circle, leaving a 3/4-inch border. Top each with 1 tablespoon of the tomatoes or pico de gallo and some sliced scallion. Top each with another patty, then press and pinch the edges to seal. Shape each into an even 4-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick patty.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat or preheat a grill to medium and oil the grates. Add the patties and cook until browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until browned on the second side, 3 to 5 more minutes for medium-rare to medium. Transfer to a rack set on a baking sheet or to a paper towel–lined plate.
Put the patties on the buns and top with tomato, avocado and chipotle mayonnaise.