Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Burgers
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Recipe Intro From firehousegrub
A childhood classic meets cookout hero in these Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf Burgers. Juicy and flavorful with a gooey mozzarella center, each burger is smothered in a bold tomato glaze made with Red Gold Tomatoes with Hatch Chiles. Crispy fried onions on top add just the right crunch, and everything gets tucked into a toasted brioche bun. This is comfort food with serious firehouse flair—perfect for summer grilling or cool-weather cravings.
- Recipe Card
Recipe Card
ingredients
For the glaze:
- 1 (10 ounce) can Red Gold Tomatoes with Hatch Chiles
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
ingredients
For the burgers:
- 20 ounces ground beef
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 8 ounce block mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick pieces
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced (for meatloaf mixture)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Burger seasoning of choice
ingredients
For topping & assembly:
- 1 yellow onion, sliced `
- Flour + seasoned salt, for dredging (or use store-bought French fried onions)
- Brioche buns, toasted
Method
Step 1
Make the tomato glaze: In a blender, combine Red Gold Tomatoes with Hatch Chiles, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth. Add in ketchup and BBQ sauce and blend again. Pour into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 2
Caramelize onions for burger mix: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté finely diced onion with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce until caramelized (about 8–10 minutes). Let cool slightly.
Step 3
Make the meatloaf patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko, heavy cream, beaten egg, caramelized onions, and burger seasoning. Mix until just combined.
Step 4
Stuff the burgers: Divide the mixture in half and form 4 bottom patties. Add sliced mozzarella to the center of each, then cover with remaining meat mixture. Press and seal the edges to create a stuffed burger patty.
Step 5
Grill the burgers: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill each burger for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping 2–3 times for even cooking (total ~15–18 minutes). In the last 5 minutes, spoon glaze over each burger and move them to the top rack or indirect heat to let the sauce tack up.
Step 6
Fry crispy onions (or use store-bought): Coat sliced onions in seasoned flour and fry in oil until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Step 7
Place brioche buns on the grill for 1–2 minutes, until golden.
Step 8
Assemble: Place each burger on a toasted bun, top with crispy fried onions, and serve hot. Use leftover glaze as a dipping sauce for extra flavor.