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BBQ Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burgers with Molten Cheese Center

BBQ bacon cheddar stuffed burgers - featured image

These savory BBQ bacon cheddar stuffed burgers feature juicy beef patties filled with a molten cheddar cheese center and smoky bacon, brushed with tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or any time you crave indulgent comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing and serving)
  • 46 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into thick cubes or slices
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 46 burger buns
  • 1/4 cup additional BBQ sauce (for serving)
  • Lettuce leaves (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • Red onion rings (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. Gently fold in chopped bacon.
  3. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten each into a thin disk, about 4 inches wide.
  4. Place a thick slice or cube of cheddar cheese in the center of 4 disks. Top each with another disk and seal edges tightly.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F) or heat a skillet over medium-high. Brush grates or pan lightly with oil.
  6. Grill or cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  7. Brush each burger with extra BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
  8. Transfer burgers to a plate and tent loosely with foil for 3-5 minutes.
  9. Toast buns if desired. Layer lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and the burger. Add extra BBQ sauce.
  10. Serve hot, cutting in half to reveal the molten cheese center.

Notes

Seal burger edges tightly to prevent cheese leaks. Use cold cheese for best molten center. Rest burgers after cooking for juicier results. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use gluten-free buns for dietary needs. Burgers can be cooked in a skillet if a grill is unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed burgers, BBQ, bacon cheddar burger, molten cheese, summer cookout, comfort food, grill recipe, tailgate, party food, easy burger recipe