🦌 Stuffed Venison Burgers with Jalapeño, Onion & Cheese

Juicy ground venison burgers stuffed with melty cheese, sautéed jalapeños, and onions—pan-seared and finished in the oven for the perfect bite. Serve on toasted brioche buns or enjoy as is!

🧾 Ingredients

1 lb ground venison
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite meltable cheese)
1–2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust to heat preference)
½ onion, chopped
2 tbsp butter (optional, for sautéing)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Optional: Sauté the Filling

Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt.
Sauté the chopped onions and jalapeños until browned (4–6 minutes).
Transfer the mixture to the freezer briefly to cool while forming the patties.

🔥 Chilling the filling helps the cheese stay inside the burger while cooking.

2. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

3. Form the Patties

Divide the ground venison into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each).
Flatten each into a thin patty.
In a small bowl, mix the ½ cup shredded cheese with the cooled sautéed vegetables.
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of this mixture into the center of 4 patties.

4. Seal and Shape

Top each filled patty with an unfilled patty.
Carefully tuck and seal the edges by pressing the bottom patty up and inward to close.
Firmly press and shape into uniform stuffed burger patties.

💡 Make sure the edges are sealed well to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

5. Sear and Bake

Reheat your skillet to medium-high.
Sear the stuffed patties for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes, or until fully cooked.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve on toasted brioche buns with your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo, or pickles.
Or enjoy bunless with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.

🔥 Pro Tips

Use a thermometer: Venison is lean—cook to an internal temp of 160°F to ensure doneness without drying out.
Try different fillings: Swap cheese or add chopped mushrooms, garlic, or crumbled bacon for variety.
Chill your patties briefly before cooking to help them hold their shape better.

❓FAQs

Can I grill these burgers instead of using the oven?
Yes—just sear over direct heat and finish cooking over indirect heat to avoid burning the outside before the center cooks through.

What cheese works best?
Use cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.

💭 Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Venison Burgers offer bold flavor and a gooey, spicy surprise in every bite. Whether you're using fresh game meat or ground venison from the store, this recipe is a game-changer (literally). Enjoy them fresh off the skillet or impress your next cookout crowd!