Description
This Cheeseburger Lava Cake is a gooey, cheesy twist on a classic burger—stuffed with molten cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, then seared and baked to golden, melty perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food bomb that’s surprisingly easy to make and a total showstopper when served! Slice in and let the lava flow—it’s impossible not to love.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Lava Center:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella
2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
For Assembly:
2 tbsp butter (for searing)
Optional: BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze for topping
Instructions
Make the cheese lava filling: In a small bowl, mix cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until smooth. Roll into 2–3 tablespoon-sized balls and freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm.
Season the beef: In a large bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
Shape the lava cakes: Divide beef mixture into 6 equal portions. Flatten each into a patty. Place a frozen cheese ball in the center of one, then top with another patty. Pinch the edges tightly to seal. Repeat with remaining meat.
Sear the patties: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed patty for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10–12 minutes until the beef is cooked through but the cheese center stays molten.
Serve: Let rest for a couple of minutes. Slice into the center and enjoy the cheese lava flow! Optional: brush with BBQ sauce or ketchup before serving.
Notes
Don’t skip the freezing step for the cheese filling—it’s what keeps the center perfectly molten.
Make sure your patties are sealed well to prevent any cheese leaks during cooking.
Want to spice things up? Swap in pepper jack or add a jalapeño slice to the center!
These can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking—perfect for prepping in advance.
Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer to keep that nice crust on the outside.