Stuffed Hamburgers

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

27 Apr 2007 09:18 AM

I don't know why but I'm a big fan of homemade grilled hamburgers. I know it's a lot easier to buy the pretty little pre-formed, already made hamburgers in the frozen section but it just doesn't taste the same to me. Last summer I saw a recipe for stuffed beef patties and that was all the inspiration I needed. Not only do my hamburgers have to be homemade now. . .but they have to be stuffed as well. My husband says I'm getting way too picky. . .but then again, he always asks for seconds. Making hamburgers from scratch is actually pretty easy. It's essentially like making meatloaf. You can do it while you're waiting for the grill to get hot enough.

Step 1: Choose A Stuffing

1 package frozen spinach + 1 cup chopped mushrooms + 1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 cup crumbled bacon + 1 cup shredded pepper jack + 1 tablespoons of barbecue sauce

1 cup of sautéed and chopped vegetables: onions, green peppers and mushrooms work nicely + 1 cup of bacon + one slice of provolone

1 cup of salsa + 1 package of frozen corn + 1 cup of monterey

The sky is the limit but think of flavor combinations that work well together.

Step 2: Make the Hamburgers

Take whatever stuffing you use and then crumble 2 pounds of raw hamburger along with one package of onion soup mix. I also generally add a tablespoon of worchestershire sauce as well. Mix thoroughly and form a large ball--and then flatten it with the palms of your hands. (It is actually easier to mix this together in a casserole dish rather than a large bowl.) Now take your finger and lightly score the meat into 8 equal sections. (Or smaller sections if you want more hamburgers.) Doing it this way will ensure generally round, same sized hamburgers.

To form the patties take a scored section and make a ball, and then, again, flatten it with the palm of your hand. If you follow these steps you will end up with round, similar sized, appetizing hamburgers.

Step 3: Grill and Accessorize!

Grill according to how well you like it done. I realize that accessorize is not generally used to describe how you might top a hamburger but these hamburgers are so good they deserve the word. To "accessorize" your hamburger be creative! All of these ingredients will make good toppings: any type of sliced cheese, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, seasoned mayonnaise, mustard, steak sauce, Teriyaki sauce, avocadoes, salsa, guacamole, sautéed vegetables, spinach, plantains--you name it.

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Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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