Chorizo-Cotija Mini Burgers

Burgers have always been crowd pleasures. I actually enjoy making them as much as I love eating them. I just think a burger can be more than just plain meat between two buns. That’s why the real star of a burger is indeed the meat patty. I like to think of ways of making an incredibly delicious burger patty that can shine on its own. And what makes a good burger patty you may ask? To me, it must be tender, packed with bold flavors, and a juicy inside. I also like it better when it includes unexpected, and delicious contrasting ingredients.
This burger patty has it all. By mixing quality ground beef with Cacique® Pork Chorizo, the beef becomes softer, moist and it instantaneously benefits from the robust and earthy flavors of the chorizo. Aside from adding chorizo to the meat, I experimented with adding the cheese directly to the meat too. I used the Mexican cheese Cotija because it’s an accent cheese with abundant flavor, and as it is particularly salty I replaced any other salt or seasoning for Cotija only.
Mix all ingredients really well, and form patties that can be cooked right after, or stored in the fridge for a few days, or frozen for weeks.
I loved the result from adding the cheese inside, for a different twist to the traditional cheeseburger. You can actually see the white speckles from the cheese on the patties. The Cotija makes this burger extra especial.
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WHAT YOU NEED
- 1 (10 oz) package of Cacique® Chorizo (Beef, Pork, or Soy)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups Cacique® Cotija cheese, finely crumbled
HOW TO MAKE IT
- To form the Chorizo-Cotija burger patties mix all the ingredients until evenly combined. For mini sliders, shape the meat into golf size balls size and flat them into patties.
- Cook on a skillet over medium-high heat with just a touch of oil as the chorizo will later on release its own oils. Let the patties cook for about 3 minutes on one side until firm and crispy. Turn and let it cook for 2 more minutes or until cooked through.
- Toast burger buns, and enjoy with any other fixings of your liking (melting cheese, tomato, mayonnaise, ketchup, lettuce…)