Friday, May 18, 2012

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Burgers 

Since I do a lot of baking, I try to ensure the meals I cook are healthy.  Unfortunately, sometimes I go off the wagon, and end up with these bad boys.  Not a healthy option by any means, but a hearty one.  I do enjoy hamburgers, but never tried stuffing them.  When I came across this recipe, I was intrigued.  I've never had blue cheese before, and had preconceived notions that it would be disgusting.  Gavin said that blue cheese is more of an 'acquired' taste and that they might go well with these burgers.  So, like a good girlfriend, I did just that.  And for the truth....I loved them!  But blue cheese is definitely an acquired taste (I tried it on its own and thought it was too pungent).  So if you've tried it before and hated it...perhaps this just might change your mind. 

I stayed true to the original recipe for the most part, and hate to say that I've made this recipe twice...and it probably won't be the last time I make it.  I did increase the thickness but found it was harder to determine if it cooked completely or not, so I will include the original recipes instructions (which worked well the first time I made it).  In addition, I would also suggest not to seal completely, as when Gavin and I bit into the burgers, the blue cheese sprayed all over us!  I was slightly disappointed as this had not occurred the first time I made them, but live and learn I say!

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Burger with Red Onion and Spinach

Makes 4 burgers

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced finely

1/3 to 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (approximately 2 ounces)

1 medium red onion, sliced crosswise

olive oil, for brushing

pinch of salt

4 hamburger buns, split

1 cup fresh baby spinach or lettuce

DIRECTIONS

In a medium sized bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic and pepper. On waxed paper, shape mixture into eight thin, 4 inch diameter patties. Place 1 tablespoon of the cheese in the centre of 4 of the patties. Top with the remaining four patties, pinch edges together to seal.

Brush onion slices with oil and sprinkle with salt

For charcoal or gas grill, grill the stuffed patties and onion slices on the rack of a covered grill directly over medium-high heat for approximately 10-16 minutes, until the patties have reached a temperature of 160 degrees F, turning the patties and onion halfway through grilling. While the patties and onions are grilling, brush cut sides of the bun with oil and add the buns, cut sides down to grill. Grill until toasted.

Fill the buns with onion slices, burgers, spinach, any other additional toppings desired and remaining cheese.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens