A Twist on the Classic American Cheese Burger & Fries

I?ve heard many people say pizza is like sex ? even when its bad, you?re still having pizza. That?s how I feel about burgers. And a good burger instantly sends me into culinary euphoria. One of my favorite burger recipes I?ve developed over the years is a twist on gyros, the slow-cooked spiced Greek meat typically served with tzatziki sauce. This burger has been lauded by many friends, including one who swears it caused her to go into labor (on Labor day of all days!). But tonight I decided to take this burger to the next level, and what better way than to stuff it with cheese? In addition to twisting the classic burger, tonight we also made french fries out of butternut squash. They were crispy and dusted with Parmesan cheese and totally tasty! Keep reading for more pictures and the full recipe.

Minted Chèvre Stuffed Gyro Burger

Burger:

1lb ground beef

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried marjoram

1 tsp. ground rosemary

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Stuffing:

1/4 tsp. fresh mint, finely chopped

3oz. chèvre (goat cheese)

Mix all burger ingredients in a small bowl until herbs and spices are well distributed throughout the beef. Divide into six equal portions, and form into patties roughly 4? in diameter.

With a fork, mash the mint into the cheese until it is well distributed. Divide into three equal portions and form into balls.

Flatten one ball of cheese mixture onto a beef patty until flat.

Top with another patty and make sure the edges are sealed. Make a small indention in the center of the burger with your thumb (this will keep the burger from puffing up and forming a giant grilled meatball). Repeat with remaining beef and cheese. Allow burgers to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Grill burgers over medium-high heat for 6?8 minutes flipping once.

Serve on grilled bun with spinach, tomato, sprouts and tzatziki sauce (recipe).

The fries were really easy. Peel and seed a butternut squash and cut into french fry shapes. Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese and cook in a 425º F oven for 40 minutes (or until they brown), flipping once. We also had some grilled corn on the cob which was fantastic.

Warning, this next photo is not for the faint of heart and really can be considered food porn.

Just look at that melted cheesy goodness oozing out of that burger! Delicious!