Stuffed Burgers
If it can all go on top, why can’t some go in the middle, too? In the world of hamburgers there is a limitless number of topping combinations and I have tried a lot of them. My go to combinations are usually the traditional bacon and cheddar, or bleu cheese with mushrooms. I am not a fan of Hawaiian themed burgers – it is my opinion that pineapple is for dessert, not for pizza or burgers. The more exotic burgers with truffles and seafood are okay, but such toppings seem to pair better with pasta. Sometimes I go for a couple of onion rings with barbeque sauce, but the sauce has to be just right. Although messy, cover my burger anytime with spicy queso dip and guacamole. I will be on it like a bee on honey. As often wont to do, I lean towards a more Tex-Mex theme for this latest dish. I have not made these in a while, so I figured it was time to do so again. These can be pretty messy if eaten on a bun, but that is okay. A good burger is always messy.
Stuffed Burgers
2 pounds ground beef
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp cumin
Dash dried red pepper flakes
1 Hass avocado
8 – 12 ounces shredded co-jack cheese
Salsa for serving
Fresh spinach and/or buns for serving
Combine beef, salt, pepper, cumin and pepper flakes together. Remove avocado meat from skin and roughly chop into small pieces. Divide beef into eight portions, then form portions into thin, equal sized patties. On four of the patties add 1/3 of the cheese, avocado and then 1/3 more of the cheese, leaving about ½ inch of meat around the edges. Place the other four patties over the loaded ones, then press together the edges so there is no seam. In a frying pan over medium heat add the olive oil. When oil is hot add the burgers. Cook for 5 – 7 minutes on each side, until cooked to desired doneness. The burgers will not take as long as regular burgers to cook because the cheese and avocado will heat up quickly in the middle. At the last minute add a bit more cheese to the top and cover until melted. Top with salsa on a bed of spinach (or buns) and serve immediately.