Zesty Southwest Stuffed Gourmet Burgers
These Zesty Southwest Stuffed Gourmet Burgers take classic grilling to a new level with taco-inspired flavors packed between savory beef or turkey patties. Infused with a creamy combination of mayonnaise and salsa, each burger is generously filled with melted Colby-Monterey Jack cheese for a delightful gooey texture. Fresh lettuce and juicy tomato slices add a refreshing crunch, making this hearty dish perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy family dinner. Prep ahead of time to enjoy maximum flavor - these burgers can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before grilling. Get ready to impress your guests with a taste of the Southwest!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef or turkey
1 1/2 lbs (raw, for mixing)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup (divided)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (for seasoning)
colby-monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
salsa
1/4 cup (divided)
lettuce leaves
6 (fresh, for topping)
tomatoes
6 slices (fresh, for topping)
hamburger buns
6 (split)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, greased lightly to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl,combine the extra lean ground beef or turkey with 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and the taco seasoning mix. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
3
From the meat mixture, shape 12 thin patties, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the crumbled Colby-Monterey Jack cheese with 2 tablespoons of salsa until well combined.
5
Take 6 of the meat patties and spoon an equal amount of the cheese and salsa mixture in the center of each.
6
Carefully cover each loaded patty with one of the remaining patties, pinching the edges together to create a sealed burger 'sandwich'.
7
Grill the stuffed burgers for approximately 7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
8
While the burgers are grilling, prepare the sauce by mixing the remaining 2 tablespoons of salsa with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in a small bowl.
9
To assemble each burger, place a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato on the bottom half of the hamburger bun, followed by the grilled burger patty.
10
Drizzle the prepared salsa mixture over the burger and cover with the top half of the bun.
11
Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Southwestern flavors!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
45g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Southwest Stuffed Gourmet Burgers?
They are gourmet beef or turkey patties stuffed with a cheese and salsa mixture, seasoned with taco spices for a Southwestern flair.
Can I use ground beef or turkey for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 lbs of extra lean ground beef or turkey.
What type of cheese is used for the stuffing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of crumbled Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
How many patties should I form from the meat mixture?
You should shape 12 thin patties from the meat mixture to create 6 stuffed burgers.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill?
Lightly grease the grill grates before cooking to prevent the meat from sticking.
What is the purpose of adding mayonnaise to the meat?
Adding mayonnaise to the meat mixture helps keep the burgers moist and adds a creamy flavor.
How do I seal the stuffed burgers?
Place a loaded patty under a plain patty and pinch the edges together firmly to create a sealed sandwich.
How long do I cook the burgers on each side?
Grill the burgers for approximately 7 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for these burgers?
The burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I make the special burger sauce?
Mix 2 tablespoons of salsa with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in a small bowl.
Can I prepare these burgers in advance?
Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before grilling.
What toppings are recommended for these burgers?
Fresh lettuce leaves and tomato slices are recommended for a refreshing crunch.
How many calories are in one burger?
Each burger contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each burger provides about 45g of protein.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 22g of fat per serving.
Are these burgers high in carbohydrates?
Each burger has about 22.5g of carbohydrates.
Is there a specific taco seasoning I should use?
The recipe suggests one 1 1/4 ounce package of your preferred taco seasoning mix.
What kind of salsa works best?
You can use any variety of salsa; a chunky style works well for the stuffing.
Can I make these on a stovetop if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can cook them in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, while Colby-Monterey Jack is recommended, Pepper Jack or Sharp Cheddar would also be delicious.
What should I do if the cheese leaks out?
To minimize leaking, ensure you have a very tight seal around the edges of the two patties.
Are these burgers spicy?
The spice level depends on the heat of your salsa and taco seasoning; you can use mild versions for less heat.
How many burgers does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 6 large stuffed burgers.
Should the hamburger buns be toasted?
The recipe doesn't specify, but toasting the split buns can add extra texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the assembled patties?
Yes, you can freeze the raw stuffed patties between layers of parchment paper for later use.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it's a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family meals or barbecues.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add extra ingredients to the meat mixture?
Yes, finely diced onions or peppers could be added to the meat for extra flavor.
What side dishes pair well with these burgers?
Sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad pair perfectly with these Southwest flavors.