Description
Cheeseburger Lava Cake Molten Melt is a deliciously crafted recipe featuring seasoned ground beef patties stuffed with a smooth blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. These stuffed patties are seared to form a golden crust and then baked to achieve a molten, cheesy center that oozes out when sliced. Perfect for an indulgent meal that combines classic cheeseburger flavors with a fun, molten twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 3.5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
Beef Patties
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Balls: In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Shape the mixture into balls using 2 to 3 tablespoons for each ball. Place the cheese balls on a lined tray and freeze them for 15 to 20 minutes until they become firm.
- Season the Ground Beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently to evenly distribute the seasonings, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Form the Stuffed Patties: Divide the seasoned ground beef into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin disk. Place one chilled cheese ball at the center of one patty, then cover it with a second patty. Seal the edges firmly to fully enclose the cheese and shape it into a round, sealed cake.
- Sear the Patties: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt the unsalted butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each beef cake for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms, which helps lock in the juices and creates texture.
- Bake to Melt Cheese Inside: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake the patties for 10 to 12 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and let the cakes rest for several minutes to allow the molten cheese center to settle and thicken slightly before slicing.
- Serve: Optionally, brush the tops with BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze for added flavor and gloss. Serve the molten cheeseburger cakes immediately while the cheese center is gooey and warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese balls before stuffing helps keep the cheese contained during cooking, ensuring a nice molten center.
- Be careful not to overwork the ground beef when mixing seasonings to maintain tenderness.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transition from stovetop searing to oven baking.
- Letting the cakes rest after baking improves the texture of the molten cheese and makes slicing easier.
- Optional BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze adds a complementary tangy sweetness to the dish.
