Grilled Burgers with Blue Cheese and Avocado

Want to make the juiciest, most flavorful burgers you’ve ever tasted? If you’re ready to learn How to Grill the Best Burgers, these Blue Cheese and Avocado stunners combine perfectly seasoned meat with creamy, bold toppings that’ll make your taste buds sing.

The secret to these incredible burgers lies in the unique blend of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, enhanced with fresh herbs and seasonings. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, tangy blue cheese, and buttery avocado. For those interested in grilling techniques, understanding Direct vs. Indirect Grilling will help you achieve the perfect cook on these patties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These aren’t your average burgers – the combination of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage creates an incredibly juicy patty that’s packed with flavor in every bite.
• The recipe is incredibly flexible – while blue cheese and avocado make a fantastic topping combination, you can easily customize these burgers with your favorite toppings to suit everyone’s tastes.
• You’ll learn professional grilling techniques that ensure your burgers stay juicy and don’t puff up in the middle, making you look like a grilling expert at your next cookout.
• These burgers are perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining, and you can prep the patties ahead of time for easy grilling when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Choose regular ground beef with a higher fat content for the juiciest results. This cut typically has an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio which provides optimal flavor and moisture.
• Sweet Italian Sausage: This adds incredible flavor and extra fat to our burger blend, creating an exceptionally juicy and flavorful patty.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This savory sauce adds depth and enhances the meat’s natural flavors while adding moisture to the patties.
• White Onion: Creates natural moisture and adds a sweet, savory flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth and complexity to these burgers.
• Fresh Rosemary: This fragrant herb adds a wonderful earthy note that elevates these burgers above the ordinary.
• Blue Cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the rich meat.
• Avocado: Provides a creamy, buttery element that balances the strong flavors of the blue cheese.

Substitutions and Additions

• Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, though the burgers won’t be quite as juicy.
• Blue Cheese: Not a fan of blue cheese? Try crumbled feta or sharp cheddar instead.
• Avocado: Guacamole makes a great substitute, or try sliced tomatoes for a lighter option.
• Sweet Italian Sausage: Spicy Italian sausage can be used for extra heat, or ground pork for a milder flavor.
• Rosemary: Fresh thyme or sage make excellent alternatives if you’re not a rosemary fan.

Instructions

Clean and prepare your grill grates by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large glass bowl, combine ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Divide the meat into 8 equal portions and shape into ¾-inch thick patties.

Create a thumb-sized indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

Grill over direct high heat for 8-10 minutes, depending on desired doneness.

For blue cheese topping, move burgers to indirect heat 2-3 minutes before they’re done and add cheese. Close lid to melt.

Toast buns while the cheese melts. Add your choice of toppings.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overwork the meat mixture – mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the burgers tender. If you’re hosting, check out our guide to BBQ Portion Planning to make sure you prepare enough for everyone.
• Make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding the burgers. For a successful cookout, follow our Summer BBQ Food Safety Tips.
• Only flip the burgers once during cooking to achieve the best crust. Having the Best Tongs for Your Barbecue makes this easier.
• Let the burgers rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy. Learn more about how to keep burgers warm and moist after grilling.
• For food safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions

These bold and flavorful burgers pair beautifully with fresh sides. For the perfect cookout combination, serve them alongside The Ultimate Guide to BBQ Corn on the Cob or try them with Delicious Cucumber Salad for a refreshing crunch.

Want to make it a full spread? Add some Homemade Tomato Salsa on your burger or serve it with chips on the side. For an extra special touch, offer your guests Sparkling Blueberry Maple Lemonade to wash it all down.

Storage & Reheating

You can store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the burger patties separately from the buns and toppings. Planning a bigger cookout? Check out our guide on How To Have The Perfect Outdoor Party for more serving and storage tips.

To freeze uncooked patties, place wax paper between each patty and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. For more outdoor cooking inspiration, explore our guide to The 6 Best Meats for Grilling.

When reheating, wrap burgers in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Add cheese during the last few minutes of reheating.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator with wax paper between each patty. Remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to allow them to come to room temperature.

Why do you make an indent in the burger patties?

The indent, or dimple, prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle during cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps toppings stay in place.

Can I cook these burgers on a stovetop?

Absolutely! Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.

What’s the best way to tell when the burgers are done?

Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results. For food safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The center should no longer be pink.

Yield: 8 burgers

Grilled Burgers with Blue Cheese and Avocado

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Make these juicy burgers topped with blue cheese and avocado as the perfect BBQ main course

Print

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. regular ground beef
• 1 lb. sweet Italian pork sausage
• 3 T. Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ c. white onion, very finely minced or grated
• 4 cloves garlic, very finely minced or grated
• 3 T. fresh rosemary, stems removed and leaves finely minced
• salt and pepper, to taste

Optional toppings:

Toggle ingredient group

• lettuce
• tomato slices
• blue cheese
• sliced avocado
• bacon

Instructions

1. Clean grill grates and spray with non-stick cooking spray. 
2. Add all ingredients to a large glass bowl and combine thoroughly. Make sure both types of meat and all seasonings are completely incorporated throughout the mixture. 
3. Divide meat mixture into 8 equal parts and shape each part into ¾ inch thick patties. Place patties on a lined tray and use your thumb to create an indent in the middle to keep them from puffing up while cooking. 
4. Cook patties over direct, high heat on your grill for 8 – 10 minutes. Final cooking time will depend on desired level of doneness and how thick you make each patty. 
5. If topping with soft, sliced cheese, add slices about one minute before cooking is complete. If using a harder, chunky cheese, such as blue cheese, move burgers to indirect heat 2-3 minutes before they are done. Top with blue cheese and close lid to allow cheese to melt completely. 
6. Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, slices of avocado and bacon, if desired – or top with your favorite condiments, instead.

Notes

Don't overwork the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the burgers tender.

Make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding the burgers.

Only flip the burgers once during cooking to achieve the best crust.

Let the burgers rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

For food safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 590Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 741mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 45g