Missouri Smoked Mozzarella-Stuffed Burgers on Arteflame

Introduction

Smoky, juicy, and irresistibly melty, these Missouri Smoked Mozzarella-Stuffed Burgers bring out bold flavors using the high-heat searing power of the Arteflame grill. By locking in juices with a 1,000°F sear and finishing on the flat cooktop, you get an unmatched bite of perfectly cooked beef, infused with a subtle smokiness from the melted mozzarella. Ideal for grilling enthusiasts who love a burger with depth and rich texture.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 6 oz smoked mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter, for cooking
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 tbsp mayo or preferred burger sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins and light the napkins.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.
4. Lightly butter the flat cooktop to ensure the best sear and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
3. Flatten each portion into a patty.
4. Place a cube of smoked mozzarella in the center of 4 patties.
5. Cover each cheese-filled patty with another patty and seal the edges tightly.

Step 3: Sear the Burgers

1. Place the stuffed patties on the center grill grate and sear for about 2 minutes per side, creating a perfect crust.
2. Once seared, move the patties to the Arteflame flat cooktop towards the outer ring to cook gently until the internal temperature is 130°F (for medium-rare) or 140°F (for medium).
3. Remove from the grill when the temperature is 15°F below your desired doneness.

Step 4: Toast the Buns & Assemble

1. Butter the brioche buns and place them on the flat cooktop for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Spread mayo or burger sauce on the buns.
3. Layer with lettuce, tomato, the juicy stuffed patty, and red onion slices.
4. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Ensure patties are sealed well to prevent cheese leakage.
• Always remove meat from the grill when its internal temperature is 15°F lower than the final temp, as carryover cooking will finish the job.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
• For extra smokiness, add a few smoking wood chunks to the fire.
• Let the patties rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Stuffed Burger: Add chopped jalapeños inside the patty along with the smoked mozzarella for a heat-packed punch.
2. BBQ Bacon Loaded Burger: Incorporate cooked, crumbled bacon into the beef mixture and top with BBQ sauce.
3. Mediterranean Herb Burger: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and oregano into the beef and use feta instead of mozzarella.
4. Blue Cheese Smokehouse Burger: Swap smoked mozzarella for blue cheese crumbles for a bold, tangy flavor.
5. Garlic Butter-Stuffed Burger: Place a cube of garlic herb butter inside the patties for an ultra-rich bite.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet potato fries with a smoked paprika aioli
• Grilled corn with butter and cotija cheese
• Classic coleslaw for a crunchy contrast
• A smoky bourbon cocktail to match the flavors
• IPA or Stout beer to complement the rich burger flavors

Conclusion

These Missouri Smoked Mozzarella-Stuffed Burgers are a melt-in-your-mouth experience, capturing the perfect sear and melt on the Arteflame grill. Mastering this recipe means enjoying restaurant-quality burgers right in your backyard. Now fire up your Arteflame and enjoy a burger like no other!