If you love a juicy, cheesy burger, you’ll want to make these mozzarella burgers. Shredded low‑moisture mozzarella is folded into the ground beef with a bit of barbecue sauce to keep the patties tender and flavorful. With just a handful of everyday ingredients you get big, satisfying taste.
They come together quickly and cook well on a grill or in a hot skillet. Serve them on toasted buns, brush with extra barbecue sauce if you like, and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or bacon. Simple, cheesy, and reliably satisfying — perfect for weeknights or cookouts.
What You’ll Like About These Burgers
Juicy and flavorful. The mozzarella melts into the meat, helping the patties stay moist.
Fast preparation. Mix, shape, and cook — dinner is ready in about 20 minutes.
Versatile cooking. Great on an outdoor grill or in a stovetop skillet.
Easy to customize. Add heat, herbs, bacon, or an extra BBQ brush for more flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Choose 80%–85% lean for juicy, tender burgers.
- Shredded mozzarella: Low‑moisture shredded mozzarella blends into the meat and adds creamy flavor without too much extra water.
- Soft bread crumbs: Help bind the patties and prevent them from falling apart as they cook.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds smoky-sweet flavor inside the patties and makes a great finishing brush on top.
- Salt and pepper: Season the patties just before cooking to enhance the beef’s flavor.
- Hamburger buns: Toast them briefly so they hold up to the juices and toppings.
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and bacon are all excellent choices.
How to Make Mozzarella Burgers
- Combine ground beef, shredded mozzarella, bread crumbs, and a little barbecue sauce. Mix gently to combine — don’t overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into evenly sized patties, slightly larger than the buns. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing as they cook.
- Cook on a preheated grill or in a hot skillet over medium‑high heat until nicely browned and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Aim for 160°F (71°C) for well‑done beef.
- Toast the buns, assemble the burgers, brush with extra barbecue sauce if desired, and add your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip
For extra juicy burgers, form patties slightly larger than the buns and press a shallow dent in the center of each patty before cooking. If grilling outdoors, chill shaped patties 15–20 minutes to help them hold together.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy mozzarella burgers. Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or swap in pepper jack for more heat.
- Italian-style burgers. Season the meat with garlic powder, basil and oregano; top with marinara and sliced mozzarella.
- Bacon-mozzarella burgers. Stir finely chopped cooked bacon into the meat for smoky richness.
- Stuffed mozzarella burgers. For an oozy center, form each patty around a small mozzarella cube instead of mixing it in.
- BBQ ranch version. Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the meat and serve with ranch dressing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with golden fries, crispy onion rings, or a simple green salad.
- Pair with extra barbecue sauce, ranch, or a zesty aioli for an added kick.
- Enjoy on toasted brioche or your favorite burger bun for richer flavor.
- Make ahead by shaping patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerating until ready to cook.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet or microwave; add a splash of water and cover briefly to preserve moisture.
Freeze: Freeze raw or cooked patties for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — shape patties and refrigerate them up to 24 hours. Chilled patties are firmer and hold together better on the grill.
Shredded low‑moisture mozzarella is recommended. Fresh mozzarella contains more liquid and can make patties loose or soggy.
Avoid overmixing the meat, and use beef with about 15–20% fat. Gentle handling and a quick sear seal in juices.
Mozzarella Burgers
Diana Rattray
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef, 85/15 is good
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup soft bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp barbecue sauce, plus more for brushing on the burgers
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, onion slices, and pickles (optional) for topping
Recommended Equipment
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Grill pan
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Instant-read thermometer
Instructions
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Combine the ground beef, shredded mozzarella, bread crumbs, and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Gently mix until just combined. Shape into four even patties and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Preheat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium‑high heat, or prepare a gas or charcoal grill for direct medium‑high heat. Cook the burgers about 4–6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (160°F / 71°C internal temperature for well‑done).
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Place cooked burgers on toasted buns, brush with extra barbecue sauce if desired, and finish with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and bacon to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates based on ingredient analysis and may vary with brand, measurements and serving sizes.