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Cuban-Style Burgers with Grilled Ham & Cheese

These Cuban-style burgers offer a vibrant twist on a classic barbecue favourite, drawing inspiration from the iconic flavours of a traditional pressed sandwich. By seasoning lean minced sirloin with aromatic cumin, garlic, and a hint of chilli, these patties deliver a savoury depth that is beautifully complemented by the heat of the grill. The addition of salty baked ham and melted Monterey Jack cheese creates a satisfying, high-protein meal that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Perfect for a weekend cookout or a quick protein-rich dinner, this recipe features a signature tangy spread made from yellow mustard and crunchy pickle relish. The contrast between the spiced beef and the sharp, vinegar-based condiments ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. Serve these hearty burgers in toasted sesame buns alongside a crisp green salad or some homemade sweet potato wedges for a complete, nutritious feast.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Cuban-Style Burgers with Grilled Ham & Cheese

  • 450g freshly ground sirloin

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon chilli powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander

  • 5 dashes tabasco Pepper Sauce

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Vegetable oil, for brushing on the grill rack

  • 4 slices baked ham

  • 4 thick slices Monterey Jack cheese

  • 4 large sesame seed buns, split and brushed with butter

  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish

  • 1/4 cup yellow American mustard

  • 60ml spicy brown mustard

  1. Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high.

  2. To make the spread, combine the relish and mustards in a small bowl and stir to blend.

Set aside.

  1. To make the patties, combine the sirloin, garlic, chilli powder, cumin, coriander, and pepper sauce in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form the portions into patties to fit the buns.

  2. When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and cook, turning once, until done to preference, 5 to 7 minutes on each side for medium. Just before the patties are done, turn a second time and place a ham slice and a cheese slice on top of each patty. During the last few minutes of cooking, place the buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly.

  3. To assemble the burgers, spread the pickle spread over the cut sides of the buns. On each bun bottom, place a patty. Add the bun tops and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 29 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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