Mozzarella Stuffed Burgers with Pesto Mayo
These simple stuffed Mozzarella Burgers are so delicious and a perfect crowd pleaser for any BBQ. A juicy burger seasoned and oozing with melty mozzarella--no one can resist. Piled high and topped with a pesto mayo-- this one will be a weekly must for grilling season.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Total Servings: 6
ingredients
Mozzarella Burgers:- 2 lb. ground chuck
- 1/2 c Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 6 fresh mozzarella slices cut to about 1.5 by 2 inches, ½ inch thickness
- 1 ½ T pesto
- 1/3 c mayonnaise
cooking
- Combine all the burger ingredients except the mozzarella in a mixing bowl. Using slightly damp, clean hands (or a spoon), work the ingredients together until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the bowl evenly and cut into 6 even slices.
- Roll each piece into a ball and then press into the center to start to make a hole and flatten at the same time (see photos above). Place a slice of mozzarella into each indentation and cover with the burger mixture forming into a patty, approximately 1 inch in thickness. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each patty. Place on parchment and chill until ready for the grill or cooking method you choose (at least 15 minutes).
- Grill or Stove Top: Preheat the grill or a skillet on stove top to medium. Clean and oil your grill as you typically do and allow it to heat for 15 minutes.
- Place chilled burgers on the grill or preheated skillet and heat 4-5 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Make sure not to press down on the burgers when cooking.
- Remove burgers when ready from the grill or skillet when ready and whisk together the pesto and mayo. Top burger buns with the pesto mayo and add the burgers and other desired toppings.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Add burger patties and cook for 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 5-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F or desired temperature.
- To ensure the mozzarella melts in the middle, make sure not to make the burgers too thick. Press them out so they are about 1 inch thickness give or take. That will end up being about a 4-inch patty.
- If you like your burgers cooked medium rare or medium, the mozzarella may not be melted. For the mozzarella to fully melt in the middle, you will need to cook these burgers more on the medium well side.
- Don't overwork your meat. When combining the seasoning and ingredients, try not to work the meat any more than to incorporate everything. Otherwise, you risk having tough burgers.
- Start with cold patties. Don't let your burgers sit out before grilling. Cold beef will ensure that the outside gets a nicely charred crust but retain all the juiciness inside.
- If you are pressed for time, you can simply add the mozzarella on top of your burgers. Stuffing and preparing these Mozzarella Burgers does take a few extra minutes. If you don't have that time, just add a fresh mozzarella slice on top of your burgers in the last couple of minutes of cooking. They will still be amazing, promise. You could also add shredded mozzarella right into the burger mixture.
