Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon Burger with Smoky Chipotle Mayo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy beef burgers grilled and stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, topped with crispy bacon and smoky chipotle mayonnaise. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs ground beef (80/20), sharp cheddar cheese, bacon strips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 720 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
  2. Step 2: Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten 4 portions into 1/2-inch thick patties. Place 1 oz sliced sharp cheddar cheese on each patty. Top with remaining 4 patties and seal edges well to encase the cheese.
  3. Step 3: Grill the stuffed patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 160°F and cheese is melted.
  4. Step 4: While burgers grill, cook 8 strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp minced chipotle in adobo, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder to make smoky chipotle mayo.
  6. Step 6: Toast 4 burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  7. Step 7: Assemble burgers by spreading chipotle mayo on both bun halves, topping bottoms with lettuce leaves, placing the cheddar-stuffed burger patty, 2 slices of tomato, and 2 strips of crispy bacon, then closing with the top bun.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon Burger with Smoky Chipotle Mayo take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon Burger with Smoky Chipotle Mayo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (80/20) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon Burger with Smoky Chipotle Mayo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon Burger with Smoky Chipotle Mayo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon Burger with Smoky Chipotle Mayo?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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