Popper Beef Burgers

This recipe was a finalist in the 1999 National Beef Cookoff. Start the 'fireworks' early on the Fourth of July with these tasty burgers! Recipe courtesy of CooksRecipes.com.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 burgers

Ingredients

• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1⁄4 cup  prepared thick-and-chunky salsa
• 4  frozen cream  cheese-stuffed jalapeno peppers
• 1⁄4 cup  prepared  chile con queso
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh plum tomato
• 2  tablespoons  sliced pitted ripe olives
• 4  hamburger buns

Directions

1. Combine ground beef and 1/4 cup salsa in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
2. Divide beef mixture into 4 equal portions and lightly flatten into thin patties.
3. Place one stuffed pepper in center of each patty. Wrap the beef around the pepper to enclose, sealing seams and forming a ball. Flatten balls into patties about 4 to 5-inches across and 1-inch thick.
4. Place patties on grill over medium ash-covered coals. Grill covered, 15 to 16 minutes to 165°F internal temperature, turning occasionally.
5. Spread 1 tablespoon chile con queso evenly over top of each burger. Sprinkle with tomato and olives and serve on hamburger buns with additional salsa as desired.