Popper Stuffed Burgers

As Hurricane Irene comes into the tri-state area I thought this would be the perfect thing to distract you from the disaster that may occur over the next two days. This burger is messy, juicy and delicious. It is exactly what you want a burger to be at the end of a long and stressful day. Taking a big bite of this burger will make you think that the howling wind and rain outside your window is simply an annoying drizzle.

Adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine June / July 2011

Makes 4 Large Burgers

1 1/2 lb 80/20 Ground Beef
4 Potato Rolls
1 Red Fresno Chile Pepper
2 Jalapeno Chile Peppers
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
8oz Cream Cheese - Softened
3 Tbsp Onion - Diced
1 Large Clove of Garlic - Minced
1/2 Tsp Ground Cumin
S&P
2oz Cheddar Cheese - Thinly Sliced
Lettuce & Tomato if desired

Start by prepping your veggies. Dice your onion, mince your garlic and slice your peppers. Make sure to remove all of the stems, seeds and inside ribs of the peppers so they are not too hot. In a medium pan over medium heat saute the pepper slices in some EVOO until tender and charred. In the medium size bowl combine the softened cream cheese with the diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt & pepper.

When the peppers have cooled off a bit add them into the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. Season the ground meat with salt and pepper. Using your hands form 4 large burgers, making them skinnier in the middle. Put a heaping spoonful of the pepper and cream cheese mixture in the middle of your formed burger patty. At this point you can preheat your outdoor grill at medium - high heat or in our case we used our indoor griddler which I sprayed with Pam Spray.

Fold the sides of the burger up into the middle covering the pepper / cream cheese mixture. Reform the burger so they are round and closed, this may take a little work depending on your burger size and the amount of cream cheese in the middle. Once the burgers are reformed you can put them on the grill. Be aware that some of them may ooze the cream cheese mixture out of the sides. When the burgers are almost done lay the thin slices of cheddar cheese on top until just melted. Place the burgers on buns and top with lettuce and tomato if desired.

Enjoy and Be Safe!! - Nicole