Cheeseburger Lava Cake Molten Melt

Get ready for a jaw-dropping twist on the classic cheeseburger! The Cheeseburger Lava Cake Molten Melt is everything you love about a juicy burger—but amplified. Imagine seasoned, tender beef molded into mini “cakes” with a molten, gooey, cheese-filled center that explodes with flavor the moment you cut into it.

It’s dramatic.
It’s indulgent.
It’s unforgettable.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or surprising guests with something unique, these molten burgers are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. The best part? They come together in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Molten cheese center — a fun, delicious surprise with every bite
Juicy and flavorful — seasoned beef cooked quickly for maximum tenderness
Customizable — change the cheese, sauces, and toppings to match your cravings
Restaurant-quality wow factor with simple ingredients

Ingredients

For the Burger “Cakes”

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred for juiciness)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 oz block cheese, cut into 4 cubes
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or American all work well.

Optional Fillings & Toppings

¼ cup bacon crumbles
2 tbsp finely chopped onions or caramelized onions
4 burger buns or brioche rolls, toasted
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickles
Ketchup, mayo, special sauce, BBQ sauce, or chipotle mayo

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a bowl, mix together:

ground beef
garlic powder
salt
black pepper

Divide into 4 equal portions.

Step 2: Form the Lava Cakes

For each portion:

Flatten the beef into a disk.
Place a cube of cheese in the center.
Wrap the beef up and around the cheese, sealing fully so no cheese escapes.
Press gently to shape into a small “cake” shape—slightly taller than a regular burger patty.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Cook each burger cake for 4–5 minutes per side, until:

the outside is browned and juicy
the inside cheese is melted and molten

Do not press down—this squeezes out the cheese!

Step 4: Prep Your Toppings

Toast your buns and prepare any optional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, or caramelized onions.

Step 5: Serve

Place each molten burger onto a bun, slice gently down the center, and let the molten cheese cascade out!

Add toppings and sauce, build your burger, and enjoy the melty magic.

Tips for Perfect Lava Burgers

Seal the edges tightly so the cheese stays inside.
For extra gooeyness, use two small cheese cubes stacked.
Freeze cheese cubes for 10 minutes before stuffing—helps prevent early melting.
Don’t overcook! Medium or medium-well keeps the molten center intact.
Use brioche buns for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

Jalapeño Popper Style: add diced jalapeños + cream cheese inside
BBQ Lava Burgers: stuff with smoked cheddar + drizzle BBQ sauce
Pizza-Style Melt: mozzarella + pepperoni cube inside
Bacon Bomb: wrap beef around a bacon-cheddar filling

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Lava Cakes

Crispy french fries
Potato wedges
Onion rings
Coleslaw
Loaded baked potatoes
Mac and cheese
Fresh garden salad