Description
Cheeseburger Lava Cake Molten Melt is a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger, featuring seasoned ground beef encasing a molten blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Seared to perfection and finished in the oven, these cheesy lava cakes promise a rich, gooey center inside a flavorful, golden-brown crust, perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or fun main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 3.5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
Beef Mixture
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze, optional, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Balls: In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Shape this cheese mixture into balls using 2 to 3 tablespoons for each. Place these cheese balls on a lined tray and freeze them for 15 to 20 minutes until they become firm.
- Season 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 just to distribute the seasonings evenly without overworking the meat, which helps keep the texture tender.
- Assemble Beef Cakes: Divide the seasoned ground beef into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin disk. Place a chilled cheese ball in the center of one patty, then cover it with a second patty. Firmly seal the edges all around to enclose the cheese completely, shaping it into a sealed cake to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Preheat Oven and Sear: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt the unsalted butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Sear each beef cake for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, which locks in the juices and flavor.
- Bake Until Cooked Through: Transfer the skillet with the seared beef cakes to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and molten. Remove from the oven and let the cakes rest for several minutes to allow the cheese center to settle and thicken slightly before slicing.
- Optional Glaze and Serve: If desired, brush the tops of the cakes with BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze for an added layer of flavor and shine. Serve the cheeseburger lava cakes immediately while still molten and gooey at the center for the ultimate indulgence.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese balls helps them hold their shape during cooking and prevents the cheese from leaking out.
- Do not overwork the ground beef when mixing seasonings to keep the burgers tender and juicy.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- Resting the cakes after baking is important for allowing the cheese filling to set slightly and avoid burns when eating.
- These lava cakes can be served with a side of fries, salad, or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.
