Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers with Wild Rice & Caramelized Onions

Jun 5, 2025by Sawyer Creek

Fire up the grill—summer in the Midwest is calling! Whether you're cooking out at the cabin, tailgating, or just enjoying a backyard weekend with family, these Grilled Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers with Wild Rice & Caramelized Onions bring bold Wisconsin flavors to the plate. Made with our locally raised grass-fed beef, hearty wild rice, and gooey sharp cheddar, these burgers are anything but ordinary. Topped with caramelized onions and grilled to perfection, this is one recipe you’ll come back to all season long.

Prep Time:    25 minutes
Cook Time:    20 minutes
Servings:     6

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. grass-fed ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked wild rice (cooled)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (or grass-fed butter)
  • Optional: whole wheat or sourdough buns

Directions:

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 15–20 minutes until golden and soft. Stir occasionally. Set aside.
  2. Make the burger mix: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, wild rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix.
  3. Shape and stuff the patties: Divide the mixture into 12 thin patties. Place a slice of cheddar on 6 patties (tear or fold to fit if needed), then top each with another patty and seal the edges to form 6 stuffed burgers.
  4. Grill the burgers: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the burgers 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temp of 160°F for ground beef). Avoid pressing down on the burgers to keep the cheese inside.
  5. Serve: Let burgers rest for 5 minutes. Serve with caramelized onions on top. Optionally, add buns, lettuce, or grilled mushrooms for extra flair.

Optional Add-Ons and Bonus Ideas

  • Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sandwich.
  • Try a fermented pickle or kraut on the side for gut-friendly crunch.
  • Swap cheddar with local cheese curds (meltable ones!) for a "Sconnie twist".
  • Top with maple mustard or horseradish aioli.
  • Serve with grilled local veggies or a side of cucumber salad

Estimated calories per serving (without bun): 470 calories

Calorie Estimate Disclaimer: Calorie counts are approximate and will vary depending on portion sizes, specific brands used, and any substitutions made. Always check nutritional labels and adjust according to your needs.
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