Get ready to transform your burger game with a mouthwatering creation that combines the bold kick of pepper jack cheese, the rich depth of bourbon-caramelized onions, and perfectly seasoned beef. This isn't just another burger recipe - it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine cutting into a juicy burger and discovering a molten core of spicy cheese that erupts with flavor, all complemented by sweet and smoky caramelized onions.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef by dividing it into 8 thin patties, ensuring each patty is slightly larger than the cheese slice.
- Place one slice of pepper jack cheese in the center of 4 patties, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Cover each cheese-topped patty with the remaining 4 patties, carefully sealing the edges by pinching and crimping to create a fully enclosed stuffed burger.
- Season both sides of the stuffed burgers generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, allowing it to become very hot before cooking.
- For caramelized onions, heat a separate pan with a tablespoon of oil and add sliced onions, cooking slowly over medium-low heat.
- After 10-12 minutes of slow cooking, deglaze the onion pan with bourbon, stirring to incorporate and allow the alcohol to reduce.
- Cook the stuffed burgers for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (medium doneness).
- During the last minute of cooking, you can optionally add an extra slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each burger to melt.
- Toast the burger buns lightly on the same skillet or grill pan for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble the burgers by placing each stuffed patty on a toasted bun, topping with bourbon caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, and tomato slices.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melted, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Use cold ground beef and handle it minimally to keep the burgers tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- When creating stuffed burgers, ensure the edges are completely sealed to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Let the burgers rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using a blend of ground meats like 80% beef and 20% chuck for optimal juiciness.
- If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute with brandy or a dark rum for the caramelized onions.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers reach the perfect internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Toast your buns for added texture and to prevent them from becoming soggy from the burger's juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 80mg
