Charcoal or gas grill (or cast-iron skillet for stovetop method)
Large mixing bowl
Kitchen scale
Small salad plate (for pressing patties)
Rimmed baking sheet
Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
Burger Patties
1 ½poundsground chuck80/20 blend recommended, about 680g
1teaspoonkosher saltabout 6g
½teaspoonground black pepperfreshly ground
Filling
1mediumpoblano chileroasted, peeled, seeds removed, and finely chopped
⅓cupMonterey Jack cheeseshredded, about 40g
Toppings and Assembly
3wholehamburger bunsbrioche or potato rolls recommended, split and lightly toasted
4leavesbutter lettuceor green leaf lettuce
1largetomatoripe, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
4thin slicesred onionseparated into rings
1largeavocadoripe, sliced
Instructions
Place the ground chuck in a large mixing bowl, add the salt and pepper, and mix gently until just combined — do not overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into six equal portions (4 oz / 113g each) using a kitchen scale.
Place one portion in the centre of a small salad plate and press it outward evenly to form a thin patty about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick and slightly wider than your bun. Carefully transfer to a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining five portions.
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
Refrigerate the patties uncovered for 1 hour. This firms the meat so the sealed edges hold together on the hot grill — do not skip this step.
Remove the patties from the fridge. Divide the roasted poblano pieces and shredded Monterey Jack evenly among three of the six patties, mounding the filling in the centre and leaving a 1/2-inch (1cm) border around the edge.
1 medium poblano chile, 1/3 cup Monterey Jack cheese
Place a plain patty on top of each filled patty. Pinch and press the edges together firmly all the way around to create a tight seal — use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges if needed. The seal must be airtight to prevent the cheese from leaking on the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates lightly. Grill the stuffed burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping only once. The internal temperature must reach 160°F (71°C) in the centre of the filling for food safety — use an instant-read thermometer inserted through the side. Rest for 2 minutes before serving on toasted buns with your chosen toppings.
3 whole hamburger buns, 4 leaves butter lettuce, 1 large tomato, 4 thin slices red onion, 1 large avocado
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Notes
Storage: Cooked stuffed patties keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, about 4 minutes per side.Freezing: Freeze raw assembled patties on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a zip-lock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling — never grill from frozen.Substitution: Swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack for extra heat, or use sharp cheddar for a tangier melt.Make-Ahead: Form and stuff the patties up to 24 hours ahead, keep refrigerated on a parchment-lined tray covered with cling film.Pro Tip: Press each patty on a small salad plate to get uniform thickness — uneven patties cause blowouts at the seams and uneven cooking.