Spicy Jalapeño Popper Juicy Lucy Stuffed Burger

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Jalapeno Popper Juicy Lucy stand out is the combination of flavors and textures. You’ve got the savory ground beef, the creamy and slightly spicy filling, and the melty cheese all working together in harmony.

Plus, the smoky flavor from the grill gives it that extra kick. The beauty of this recipe is in its adaptability. You can tweak the heat level by adjusting the jalapenos or the type of cheese you use. Let’s not forget about the satisfaction of biting into that cheeseball center. Trust me, this is where it really comes together.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you need to whip this up:

• 2 lbs Ground Beef, divided into 8 equal balls
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 Jalapeños, finely diced
• 1 ½ C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 C Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Your Favorite BBQ or Burger Seasoning
• 4 Burger Buns
• Butter for toasting buns

Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start. It’ll mix better with the other ingredients. Don’t skip the seasoning; it really amps up the flavor.

How to Make It

First things first, preheat your smoker to 275°F. I like using a smoker for this because it adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t replicate with a regular grill.

In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This is the filling that’s going to make your burgers sing.

Next, flatten each beef ball into a thin patty. You want them slightly larger than your burger buns because once you fold them over the filling, they’ll shrink a bit. Spoon a generous amount of that creamy jalapeno mixture into the center of four of the patties. Then, add a big pinch of shredded mozzarella on top for that extra gooey goodness.

Now, take the remaining patties and place them on top. Make sure to pinch the edges together tightly. This part is crucial - if you don’t seal it well, the cheese will leak out while cooking, and nobody wants that. Trust me on this one.

Once you’ve got everything sealed up, season both sides of the patties generously with your favorite BBQ or burger seasoning. I like to really pack it on, but you do you.

Now, it’s time to hit the smoker. Place the burgers on the grill and let them cook for about 50-55 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 155-160°F. Keep an eye on them, and don’t be afraid to check the temp - this is a good time to sip a cold drink and hang out.

While the burgers are cooking, melt a bit of butter in a skillet and toast your burger buns until they’re golden brown. Nothing beats a buttery toasted bun, right?

When your burgers are done, take them off the smoker and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the molten cheese thicken a bit, so you don’t end up with a gooey mess when you slice them in half.

Tips / Variations

If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding some spices to the cream cheese filling. A little garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce can add another layer of flavor. You could also swap the cheeses - pepper jack is a great option if you like your food with a bit more heat.

Don’t forget to adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your heat tolerance. If you’re feeling brave, you could even throw in some diced onions for an extra crunch.

Serving Ideas

These burgers are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with some homemade fries or a fresh salad. I like to add a side of pickles for that tangy crunch. If you want to go all out, set up a little topping bar with things like avocado, salsa, or even more cheese.

Closing

So there you have it, my take on the Jalapeno Popper Juicy Lucy. It’s a fun twist on two classics that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a game day or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try, and watch those cheese pulls bring smiles around the table. Happy cooking!

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Juicy Lucy Stuffed Burger

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground Beef, divided into 8 equal balls
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 Jalapeños, finely diced
• 1 ½ C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 C Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Your Favorite BBQ or Burger Seasoning
• 4 Burger Buns
• Butter for toasting buns

Instructions

• Preheat your smoker to 275°F.
• In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese until fully mixed.
• Flatten each beef ball into a thin patty slightly larger than your burger buns, or use premade burger patties.
• Spoon a generous amount of the jalapeño popper mixture into the center of 4 patties.
• Top the filling with a large pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese for the extra gooey melted center.
• Place the remaining patties on top and pinch the edges together tightly to fully seal the filling inside. Make sure there are no openings or the cheese can leak out while cooking.
• Season both sides heavily with your favorite BBQ or burger seasoning.
• Place the burgers onto the smoker and cook for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F.
• During the last few minutes of cooking, toast the buns with a little butter until golden brown.
• Remove the burgers from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes so the molten cheese filling thickens slightly.
• Slice the burgers in half and serve immediately for the gooey cheese pull and jalapeño popper center.