Layered Cheeseburger Cake

This burger cake turns an everyday cheeseburger into a fun, sliceable treat that's great for casual get-togethers or making dinner exciting. With stacked tortillas, flavorful beef, and gooey cheese, you'll get all the tasty burger elements in every forkful.

I whipped this up for my kid's birthday when he couldn't decide between having cake or burgers at his party. You should've seen how shocked his buddies were when I brought this out instead of a regular birthday cake. Now I can't host a backyard hangout without making it.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Delivers that real burger taste; grab 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful results
• Onion and garlic: Build a tasty foundation that makes everything more savory
• Cheddar cheese: Go for the sharp stuff to really wake up your taste buds
• Cream cheese: Adds a smooth texture and helps everything stick together
• Large tortillas: Work as your cake's layers; grab the softest ones you can find
• Mustard: Brings a zingy kick that balances the rich flavors
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds that can't-put-your-finger-on-it burger depth
• Paprika: Gives a hint of smoky flavor and nice color
• Fresh vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber bring crispness and that true burger feel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Brown the Meat:

Fry the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until completely brown, roughly 8 minutes on medium high heat. Break up bigger chunks as you go for better texture. Throw in your seasonings while everything's still hot so the flavors mix through the meat nicely.

Create the Cheese Mixture:

Mix the cream cheese with half the shredded cheddar until it's all smooth. This works as the glue between your layers. Take the cream cheese out early so it's not cold when you're trying to mix it.

Build Your Base Layer:

Put your first tortilla on a big oven-safe plate or sheet pan. Spread half the cooked meat mix on top but leave a little space around the edge. This keeps everything from spilling over and makes your cake look tidier.

Continue Layering:

Smear a good amount of the cheese mix over the meat and then put another tortilla on top. Push down lightly to stick the layers together. Keep going with the rest of the meat and cheese, adding tortillas between each layer. Pressing down helps everything stay together when you cut it later.

Add the Final Touches:

Place your last tortilla on top and scatter the leftover cheddar across it. This top cheese will melt into a yummy golden crust that keeps everything in place.

Bake to Perfection:

Stick it in your preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese gets bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it at the end so it doesn't burn. The heat will melt all the cheese layers so everything sticks together nicely.

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I really love how this dish turns basic ground beef into something worth talking about. My grandma always told me food should make people happy at the table, and nothing gets more grins than when I set down this burger cake with all its bright toppings.

Storage and Leftovers

This burger cake keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tight with plastic or pop it in a sealed container. I find it's best to warm up single slices in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes instead of using the microwave, which can make the tortillas all soggy. Always add the fresh toppings right before you eat it.

Customization Options

Think of this dish as just the beginning. Try stuffing some crispy bacon between layers for a bacon cheeseburger twist. Add chopped jalapeños and swap in pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Want a mushroom Swiss version? Use some Swiss cheese instead of cheddar and throw in some cooked mushrooms with the beef. You can try tons of things, just keep the amounts similar so it all holds together.

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Serving Suggestions

While this cake tastes great on its own, I like pairing it with classic burger sides. A fresh coleslaw with some tang works wonders against the richness. Baked potato wedges make a healthier stand-in for french fries. When I'm hosting, I'll set out different toppings, sauces, pickles, and some caramelized onions so everyone can fix up their slice just how they want it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the best beef to use?

Pick ground beef with some fat, like 80/20, for juicy, flavorful layers.

→ Can I swap out the cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, gouda, or any melt-friendly cheese works great.

→ How can I keep tortillas from getting soggy?

Let the beef cool a bit before layering, and don’t add too much liquid.

→ Can I prep it in advance?

Yes, assemble it beforehand, store in the fridge, and bake when needed.

→ What goes well with this dish?

Pair it with coleslaw, potato wedges, or a crisp salad for a full meal.