Cheeseburger Lava Cake with Molten Cheese Center (Print version)
Juicy seasoned beef cakes stuffed with a molten cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese center that spills out when sliced.
# Ingredients:
For the molten cheese center
01 -
1 cup (113 g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 -
1/2 cup (55 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
03 -
2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
04 -
1 tablespoon finely minced dill pickles, well drained (optional)
For the beef cakes
05 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) 80/20 ground beef
06 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
07 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1 teaspoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
12 -
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
For cooking and serving
13 -
1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil
14 -
2 tablespoons ketchup, for brushing (optional)
15 -
Dill pickle chips, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomato, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Stir the cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and optional minced pickles together until thick and evenly mixed. Shape into 6 compact balls and freeze for 15-20 minutes until firm.
02 -
Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix gently with your hands just until combined.
03 -
Divide the beef into 12 thin rounds. Place a frozen cheese ball on 6 rounds, top with the remaining rounds, and pinch the edges tightly closed. Shape each into a thick cake with no cheese showing.
04 -
Set the shaped cakes on a plate and chill for 10 minutes while the oven heats to 375 F. This helps the seams firm up before searing.
05 -
Heat butter or oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cakes for about 2 minutes per side until browned, turning carefully with a spatula.
06 -
Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the beef layer reaches 160 F. Check from the side so the thermometer reads the beef, not the cheese center.
07 -
Rest for 3 minutes. Brush with ketchup if desired, then serve hot with pickles, lettuce, and tomato. Slice at the table for the molten cheese center.
# Good to know:
01 -
For the best molten center, serve within 5 minutes of resting.
02 -
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
03 -
Check ground beef from the side with an instant-read thermometer.