Description
Cheeseburger Lava Cake Molten Melt is a decadent and flavorful twist on the classic burger, featuring a juicy beef patty stuffed with molten cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish combines the richness of sharp cheddar with seasoned ground beef, delivering a gooey cheese center that bursts with every bite. Perfect as a main course, it can be served on brioche buns with your favorite toppings or enjoyed on its own for a satisfying, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
For Baking and Serving
- 4 brioche slider buns or hamburger buns (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional toppings: pickles, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a jumbo or standard muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently and just until all ingredients are evenly combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Form Lava Cakes: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Flatten each into a wide, thin patty. Place one or two cubes of cheddar cheese in the center of each patty. Carefully fold the edges over the cheese, shaping them into thick, sealed balls or puck shapes, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed to prevent leakage during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place each beef lava cake into the greased muffin tin or onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter, which will help create a beautiful browned crust during baking.
- Bake: Bake the lava cakes in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F for safe consumption, and confirm the cheese inside has melted to a gooey consistency.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lava cakes to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute. Serve warm on brioche or hamburger buns with your favorite toppings like pickles, ketchup, mustard, or caramelized onions, or enjoy them on their own.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix cheddar with mozzarella or other cheeses to vary the molten center.
- These lava cakes can be made ahead and frozen; just thaw completely before baking.
- Try serving with dipping sauces or add sautéed mushrooms and onions for a steakhouse-style experience.
- Make sure to seal the cheese inside well to avoid leakage during baking.
