Mozzarella Burgers
These mozzarella burgers are juicy, flavorful, and loaded with melty cheese inside. Barbecue sauce adds a smoky kick, and you can top them with your favorite burger fixings.
If you love a juicy, cheesy burger, you’re going to want to try these mozzarella burgers. Shredded mozzarella is mixed right into the beef along with a little barbecue sauce, which keeps the patties extra flavorful and tender. You don’t need a ton of ingredients—just a few simple ones come together for big flavor.
They’re quick to make, whether you grill them outside or cook them in a skillet on the stovetop. Tuck them into toasted buns, brush with more barbecue sauce if you prefer, and top with your favorite additions like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Simple, cheesy, and satisfying—these burgers are a weeknight win.
What You’ll Like About These Burgers
Juicy and flavorful. Mozzarella melts into the beef, keeping the patties moist.
Quick prep. Mix, shape, and cook — dinner is ready in minutes.
Grill or stovetop friendly. Great for outdoor grilling or a simple skillet cook.
Customizable. Pile on your favorite toppings or brush with extra BBQ sauce.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use 80%–85% lean for juicy burgers.
- Shredded mozzarella: Adds moisture and mild, creamy flavor directly into the meat mixture.
- Soft bread crumbs: Help bind the burgers and keep them from drying out.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds smoky sweetness; also great brushed on the finished burgers.
- Salt and pepper: Season the outside of the patties just before cooking.
- Hamburger buns: Toasting adds structure and keeps them from getting soggy.
- Toppings: Lettuce, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and bacon all work well.
How to Make Mozzarella Burgers
- Mix ground beef with shredded mozzarella and a little barbecue sauce for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Shape the mixture into patties, making them thick and even for the best texture.
- Grill or cook them in a skillet until golden and juicy, to your preferred doneness.
- Toast the buns, then assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Pro Tip
For extra-juicy burgers, form the patties slightly wider than the bun and make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy mozzarella burgers. Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Italian-style burgers. Mix in garlic powder, basil, and oregano, and top with marinara and mozzarella slices.
- Bacon-mozzarella burgers. Stir finely chopped cooked bacon into the meat mixture for smoky richness.
- Stuffed mozzarella burgers. Instead of mixing the cheese into the meat, form patties around a mozzarella cube for a gooey center.
- BBQ ranch version. Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the meat and serve with ranch dressing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad.
- Pair with extra barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a zesty aioli for an added kick.
- Enjoy on toasted brioche buns for a richer taste.
- Make ahead by shaping the patties in advance and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave; add a splash of water to keep them moist.
Freeze: Freeze formed raw patties or cooked patties for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mozzarella Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 85/15 is good
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs, soft
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, plus more for brushing on the burgers
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Dill pickle slices, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, onion slices, optional
Instructions
- Make and shape the burgers. Combine the ground beef, mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, and pepper. Shape into 4 burgers (or 8 smaller slider-size burgers) and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the burgers. Heat a grill pan or iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop or prepare an outdoor gas or charcoal grill for direct medium-high heat. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the burgers are cooked through and reach a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (well done—USDA minimum safe temperature). If you prefer a medium doneness, cook the burgers to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Assemble the burgers. Arrange the burgers in buns. Brush with extra BBQ sauce or top with your favorite burger condiment. Finish with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles as desired.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
