Houstonist Cooks: Stuffed Burgers

Many of us will be firing up the grill this weekend for the traditional 4th of July fare. If you want to try something a little fancier than the usual hamburgers and hot dogs, we've got just the recipe. These burgers with a surprise in the middle are easy to prepare and can be modified to suit your tastes. We provide you with some combos which you can add to for your own culinary masterpiece.

Stuffed Burgers

1.5 lb ground beef
4 oz cheese
1/4 to 1/3 cup mixins (suggestions below)
4 hamburger buns

Divide the beef into four equal portions, then divide each in half again for eight portions. Flatten each portion of meat into a thin patty. Mix the cheese and mixins together and place 1/4 of the mixture into the center of 4 patties. Place a second patty on the top and seal the edges together by pressing with your fingers.

Heat the grill (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Grill or cook the burgers about 3 minutes per side, or until lightly charred on the outside. Place on buns and serve with the usual condiments.

Cheese and Mixin Combos

• grated mozzarella, basil and chopped roasted red peppers
• grated queso asadero and pico de gallo
• crumbled blue cheese and sauteed mushrooms
• crumbled feta, oregano and sun dried tomatoes

Photo credit taylorich