Spicy Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers

Like the Gold Nugget Burger, these burgers feature cheese that melts between two patties instead of on top of one. However, mixing chipotle pepper purée with the ground meat before forming the patties adds a deliciously spicy kick to the burgers themselves. Have tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, mustard, and mayonnaise on hand for guests to dress the hamburgers as they please.

Yield:

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1. 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, undrained
2. 2 pounds lean ground beef
3. 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
4. 1/2 (10-ounce) package Cheddar cheese, cut into 4 thick (1.25-ounce) slices
5. 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
6. .
7. For the Toppings:
8. =================
9. tomato slices
10. red onion slices
11. romaine lettuce leaves
12. yellow mustard
13. mayonnaise

Directions

1. Process chipotle peppers in a blender until smooth. Measure 4 teaspoons puree, reserving remainder for another use, if desired.
2. Combine 4 teaspoons puree, ground beef, and steak seasoning in a large bowl until blended. (Do not overwork meat mixture.) Shape mixture into 8 (4-inch) patties; place 1 cheese slice on each of 4 patties. Top with remaining 4 patties, pressing edges to seal. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 7 to 8 minutes on each side or until beef is no longer pink. Serve burgers on buns with desired toppings.

Notes